Lucid Dream Machines

Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.

~Author unknown

Lucid dream machines can be very useful if you can't have lucid dreams at will on your own. But before you invest in an artificial induction device, I recommend that you try some of the natural lucid dreaming techniques.

Lucid dreaming masks detect when you are in REM sleep and flash lights at you to trigger a reality check. There are only a few lucid dreaming masks on the market, reviewed below.

The lucid dreaming CDs have more in common with meditation and self-hypnosis. They are good for programming your mind and inducing lucid dreams during the later stages of REM sleep when you are closer to consciousness.

NovaDreamer by The Lucidity Institute

Perhaps the most famous of lucid dream machines is the NovaDreamer, created by the Lucidity Institute. (You may also have heard of its predecessors, the DreamLight and DreamLink lucid dreaming masks.) Although the original NovaDreamer was discontinued in 2004, you can still buy one from second-hand sellers on eBay. Or you can pre-order the new and improved NovaDreamer, set to be released in 2008.

Learn more about the history, science and functions of the original NovaDreamer, plus a full review with benefits and disadvantages. I will add links to buy the new NovaDreamer as soon as it goes on sale.

REM Dreamer by ELI Company

The REM Dreamer is Europe's answer to the NovaDreamer. It is a lot cheaper and based on the same infra-red technology. Of course, both of these devices aren't necessarily cheap, so it makes sense to read up as much as you can before you buy.

I have researched reviews of the REM Dreamer in detail so you can make a fair judgment against the NovaDreamer. I also provide links to the manufacturer in Poland so you can buy online at the best price.

Hemi Sync by The Monroe Institute

If you are on a tighter budget, you can still experiment with other lucid dreaming kits, such as the Monroe Institute's Hemi Sync CDs and MP3s. Hemi Sync is based on binaural beat technology and can help with meditation and self-hypnosis to rapidly transport your mind to a deeply relaxed state.

Using white noise, Hemi Sync plays a different brainwave frequency into each ear. Your brain quickly finds an equilibrium and falls into a trance state. This turns you into an open vessel, ready to receive lucidity triggers, practice astral projection and learn how to perform remote viewing. I find Hemi Sync extremely effective for entering altered states of awarness on demand.

Alternative Lucid Dreaming CDs & MP3s

Besides Hemi Sync, there are a number of alternative lucid dreaming CDs on the market. They work on the same principles of relaxation, using music and guided hypnosis to put you in a trance-like state. They usually plant subconscious cues to test your reality regularly and help you to believe that you really can have lucid dreams at will. Positive thinking is the key.

Browse through the most popular types of lucid dreaming CDs and find ones that appeal to you. Again, I have provided links where you can buy online.

If you find any other lucid dream machines that may help fellow readers, please contact me with the details and your personal review.

Lucid Dream Machines
NovaDreamer
REM Dreamer
Hemi Sync
Lucid Dreaming CDs