Is it possible to control an avatar or object during REM sleep?

Lucid dreams, where one is aware of dreaming while asleep, offer astonishing possibilities.

A new study conducted by REMspace, an American neurotechnology company, shows that it is possible to control virtual objects while remaining in this dream state. With proper training, participants were able to drive a virtual car while sleeping, paving the way for interaction between dreams and reality.


Lucid dreams generally occur during the REM phase of sleep, where the body is paralyzed but the brain remains active. This allows slight muscle contractions, which REMspace researchers exploited to detect subtle movements.

The study participants were equipped with electromyography sensors that record these micro-contractions, then transmit these signals to a computer to control a virtual avatar, in this case, a car.

Before the dream experience, participants were trained to react to light signals by closing their eyes and contracting specific muscles to avoid obstacles on the screen. Once this method was mastered, they were invited to attempt the same task in a lucid dream.

Researchers confirmed the REM sleep state with electrodes placed on the participants' skulls. They signaled their readiness to drive by making three successive left-to-right eye movements.

During the experiment, as soon as obstacles appeared on the screen, participants had to react by contracting the muscles in their arms and legs. They successfully made 28 appropriate turns in response to the signals. Some experienced difficulties, such as when a participant could not move their legs due to a sensation of numbness.

These results show that a bidirectional interaction with virtual objects from lucid dreams is possible. Michael Raduga, founder of REMspace and head of the experiment, explains that these initial experiences pave the way for new technologies capable of linking dreams to physical reality.

However, he notes that improvements are necessary, particularly regarding the sensitivity of body sensors, which did not always capture the dreamers' subtle movements.

With further research, the scientists aim to demonstrate bidirectional control of physical objects like robots or drones from lucid dreams. The potential is immense: one day it might be possible to accomplish real tasks while sleeping, such as making coffee or controlling a smart home.