The REM Dreamer Review
A Lucid Dreaming Mask

The REM Dreamer is a lucid dreaming mask that can help induce conscious dreams on demand. It is Europe's answer to the NovaDreamer, being similar in design and function, and costs much less at 137 Euros (currently about $185). To explore the different features, check out my REM Dreamer review below.

Like most lucid dream induction devices, the mask uses infra-red sensors to detect when you are in REM sleep. It produces sound and light cues which are incorporated into your dream, to help you recognize the dream state and become lucid.

You may interpret these dream signs as sunlight, camera flashes or car lights. It's still up to you to become lucid, often by way of reality checks.

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 Dr Stephen LaBerge who famously did this to provide scientific proof that he could become conscious in dreams. He gave certain eye signals to researchers 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. As far as I am aware, no other lucid dream induction device has this intelligent feature.

This means that your lucid dreams won't be interrupted by ongoing flashing light cues, as reported by several NovaDreamer users as a real negative side effect. However, I should add that the new NovaDreamer II may also have TWC capabilities - we will have to wait and see when it is released in 2009/10.

REM Dreamer Review

The REM Dreamer is made by ELI Company, based in Poland. This may put off customers in the US, who can buy the NovaDreamer or DreamMaker locally. However, having sought out other user REM Dreamer reviews, 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 quicker.

As with any lucid dreaming mask, it does take some getting used to. It depends on your threshold but some people may be too sensitive to wear a mask while asleep. Other users say it is very comfortable - just a little strange having something strapped around your head. Ideally you should sleep on your back or your side.

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 other lucid dreaming masks and very easy to use.

You can set the intensity, frequency and duration of the flashing lights and audio alerts that the REM Dreamer emits. Some people find 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, allowing you to fall asleep before the REM sleep sensor activates.

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 of Lucid Dreaming Masks

As with the NovaDreamer, this lucid dream induction device does not guarantee lucid dreams. It relies on your ability to recognize the lights and audio cues. This is not difficult, but does require brief daily practice. By performing regular reality checks, you can expect 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!

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 turning them into instant lucid dreams.

Where to Buy REM Dreamer

You can buy REM Dreamer at the ELI Company website for 137 Euros (+ 5 Euros shipping). The site accepts credit cards or bank transfer.

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

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More REM Dreamer Reviews

Have you used the REM Dreamer? Share your own review including what you liked or disliked about it and whether you would recommend it to others.

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