The REM Dreamer Review

Even sleepers are workers and collaborators
in what goes on in the Universe.

~Heraclitus

Dreamers wear the lucid dreaming mask to sleep. The device uses infra-red sensors to detect when you are in REM sleep and dreaming. Then it gives you sound and light cues which are incorporated into your dream. Your goal is to recognize the cues and realize that you are dreaming. You may interpret the dream signs as sunlight, camera flashes, car lights or anything else that fits within the context of your dream.

Besides being a lot cheaper, the benefit of the REM Dreamer that it has Two Way Communication (TWC) between the device and the dreamer. This only comes in the newest model, which is available to buy online now.

Two Way Communication

Sleep experiments show that during REM sleep, dreamers move their eyes in the same direction as they do in their dreams. In fact, it was Stephen LaBerge who first did this to provide scientific proof that he could become conscious in dreams. He gave certain eye signals exactly as planned.

When the TWC feature is used on the REM Dreamer, it creates a series of light cues of increasing intensity. Once you become lucid, you can actually signal back to the lucid mask that you have become conscious. You do this by moving your dream eyes in a pre-planned way. The infra-red sensors in the mask detect this too, and stop giving you lucidity cues.

This powerful feature of the REM Dreamer means your lucid dreams won't be interrupted by ongoing flashing light cues. This was reported by several NovaDreamer users as a real negative side effect. However, I should add that the new version of the NovaDreamer is due out in 2008 and will have several new features. It's possible that the new NovaDreamer has a similar TWC feature... we will have to wait and see.

Review of REM Dreamer

The REM Dreamer is made by ELI Company, which is based in Poland. This (plus the ancient website) could put off a lot of customers in the US. However, having sought out user reviews online, the experience seems to be pretty good. The service is polite and friendly, and international airmail takes only 3-8 business days. For customers in the UK it will be sooner. The lucid dreaming mask also comes with the required 2 x AAA batteries and a 16-page user guide.

Comfort

As with the NovaDreamer, it feels a bit weird to sleep wearing a lucid dreaming mask. User reviews say it is very comfortable - just strange having something strapped around your head. Ideally you should sleep on your back or your side. One user suggested replacing the mask padding with a small amount of memory foam which you can buy from any shop. This may make it a bit more comfortable against your forehead.

Ease of Use

The instructions aren't translated smoothly, so expect some broken English. However, they are still pretty clear to understand. All of the functions are in line with the NovaDreamer and easy to use.

The REM Dreamer has four switches and a button to program the device. These allow you to set the intensity, frequency and duration of the flashing lights and audio alerts. Some people found the lower setting (2) to be bright enough to penetrate the eyelids, while others preferred the highest setting (6) to be effective. This is the benefit of being able to choose yourself. You can also set the duration of the snooze mode, which gives you time to fall asleep before the REM sleep sensor actives.

The device tells you how many times it was activated during the night, so you can see how well it works. The target is 20-25 times per six hours of sleep. If it is outside that range you can simply adjust the sensitivity of the infra-red sensor depending on your room lighting conditions.

Success Rate

As with the NovaDreamer, this lucid dream induction device does not technically guarantee lucid dreams. It relies on your ability to recognize the flashing lights and audio dream signs while you are dreaming. This is not difficult, and only requires a little daily practice. By performing routine reality checks, you can be in a receptive state of mind, ready to have lucid dreams in less than a week.

One user illustrated the importance of reality checks very well. In a dream, the flashing lights triggered, and the entire dreamscape flashed red. Instead of seeing it as a dream sign, he thought "oh, I should do reality checks more often so I can pick up on signals like that when I'm dreaming". This goes to show you shouldn't rely on your conscious brain to pick up on any kind of irregularity - it is your subconscious mind that controls your dreams!

Some users worry about becoming dependant on the REM Dreamer. Frankly, there is no sitting on the fence. You either decide to induce lucid dreams naturally, or you use a lucid dreaming mask. Both employ the same techniques - namely, increasing your self-awareness during the day - and both have varying results with different people. Some find they have plenty of lucid dreams naturally, but others may struggle and get frustrated. I recommend trying the natural techniques for at least a month before thinking about using a lucid dream machine. You may find you don't actually need it!

If you do decide to buy a lucid dream induction device, you really have to commit to it to get results. Wear it the whole night, especially during the morning, and even during daytime naps. If you are persistent, you are likely to experience some very enjoyable lucid dreams. Many people also report waking up in the night, pressing the reality check button and finding it doesn't work. This triggers the realization that they are still dreaming! The lucid dreaming mask is especially good at detecting false awakenings and transforming them into instant lucid dreams.

Buy Online

Visit the REM Dreamer website to buy online for 137 Euros plus 5 Euros for shipping. The site accepts credit cards or bank transfer. International delivery is 3-8 working days.

The latest REM Dreamer is Version 3.0 - if you have an older version, you can upgrade for just 47 Euros including shipping. This version has Two Way Communication, which is a unique feature ahead of the NovaDreamer.

I will publish new updates on the REM Dreamer lucid dreaming mask on my blog and free e-zine. Sign up if you want to know more!