Linking two realms: efforts to tap real-life potential of lucid dreams advance

Scientists show it is possible to control a virtual car and switch on real-world kettle from inside a lucid dream

Imagine a world in which you could solve problems, create art or music or even improve your tennis serve in your sleep. If scientists working in the field of lucid dreams succeed, that world could become a reality sooner than we realise.

Researchers are developing techniques that could enable more people to experience lucid dreams - a state of consciousness where a person is aware they are dreaming and can recognise their thoughts and emotions while doing so - and transfer the content of these dreams into their waking lives.

Dream journaling: Each morning, as soon as you wake up, write down everything you remember about your dreams, or use a voice-recording device to do the same. Doing so can help to familiarise yourself with your dreams, enabling you to become more aware of them once you are asleep.

Reality testing: This exercise, performed during waking hours, trains the brain to better distinguish between dreams and reality, which may enhance lucidity once you are asleep. At regular intervals throughout the day, pause and take careful stock of your surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary which might indicate that you are dreaming.

Intention setting: Some people can increase the frequency of their lucid dreams simply by telling themselves that they will become aware during their dreams, for example by repeating a phrase such as once I'm asleep, I'll remember I'm dreaming".

Wake back to bed: Most dreams occur during REM sleep, which is more prevalent during the second half of the night. By setting an alarm clock to wake yourself an hour or so before your usual time, then drifting back to sleep, you may boost your odds of dropping straight into a dream. Telling yourself you'll become lucid in that dream may also help to achieve this.

External stimulation: Many recent studies designed to communicate with people during lucid dreams have used gentle vibration, electrical stimulation or flashing lights during REM sleep as a cue for the person to become aware in their dream and signal back. Some of these methods are also being investigated as a tool for increasing the frequency of lucid dreams.