Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Phuntsho Gyaltshen Vairochana Royal Home School Phuntsho Gyaltshen 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Kenneth Alan Paller Northwestern University Kenneth Alan Paller
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
S. Gabriela Torres-Platas Northwestern University S. Gabriela Torres-Platas
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Daniel Morris Northwestern University Daniel Morris
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
David Germano University of Virginia David Germano
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ira Zunin Integrative Health Clinic and Rehabilitation Center Ira Zunin
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Phuntsho Gyaltshen Vairochana Royal Home School Phuntsho Gyaltshen
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ugyen Norbu Juthrulgarkhen Communication, Babesa, Thimphu Ugyen Norbu
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ema Demšar Monash University Ema Demšar
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Vajrayana Dream Yoga in Bhutan: Implications for Mental Health through Neuroscientific Investigations of Traditional Contemplative Sleep Practices |
| Public title | DREAM YOGA |
| Background | This project seeks to advance the study of lucid dreaming or dreaming while being conscious that one is dreaming. This is an event that most people will have in their lifetime and is an experience that some people have quite frequently (Schredl, M., & Erlacher, D., 2011). During the study of trained lucid dreamers in the Paller laboratory, dreamers have used observable eye movements to signal they are having a lucid dream during electroencephalographic (EEG) recording to independently confirm their dream state. Using these signaling methods, we have explored both one-way and two-way communication with dreamers in our laboratory (Konkoly K., et al., 2021). This project extends our prior line of research into understanding Vajrayana’s dream practices in Bhutan. This project aligns empirical research with Buddhist Studies scholarship to understand the underlying mechanisms of Vajrayana’s dream practices, their psychophysiological correlates, and their impact on waking experience. The aim of this project is to record lucid dreaming in expert Dream Yoga (DY) practitioners, monitor concurrent brain activity with EEG methods in a temporary/portable sleep laboratory, conduct real-time two-way communication with dream practitioners during lucid dreaming, query their post-sleep experiences and analyze interviews and first- person dream reports. We will test the hypothesis that Vajrayana’s Dream Yoga practices affect both perceptual engagement during a dream and in the waking state. |
| Objectives | A central aim of this project is to examine lucid dreaming physiologically and psychologically in expert Dream Yoga (DY) practitioners. We will monitor concurrent brain and body activity with noninvasive electrophysiological methods in a temporary sleep laboratory with portable equipment. An innovative aspect of the project is to engage in real-time two-way communication with dream practitioners during lucid dreaming, to supplement study of their post-sleep first-person dream reports. We will test the hypothesis that Vajrayana Dream Yoga practices affect perceptual engagement during a dream, with benefits for the practitioner that can be observed in the waking state. |
| Study Methods | This study involves up to 20 expert lucid dream practitioners trained in Vajrayana Dream Yoga (DY), contributing to precision neuroscience through repeated sleep-lab testing. Each participant will spend one to four nights in a temporary sleep lab located in a rented apartment in Bhutan. Sleep studies occur overnight, with REM sleep targeted during its most reliable final stages. The experimenters (S. Gabriela Torres Platas, Ken Paller, & Daniel Morris) will monitor dream yoga practices and gently awaken participants so they can provide verbal reports on their dreams. Participants complete informed consent and a battery of questionnaires. Electrodes are placed on the scalp, face, and chin to monitor brain and muscle activity, with a respiration belt and nasal cannula for breathing assessment. Training includes associating sound cues with introspective states that promote lucid dreaming. Participants carry out Dream Yoga tasks during REM sleep while signaling about their experiences using eye movements and sniff patterns. These signals provide objective timestamps for analyzing brain activity to aid researchers in relating dream events to neural data. Inside the sleep chamber, a futon will be prepared with clean bedding to ensure comfort. Low-intensity sounds are used to provoke lucid states without causing arousal from sleep. Participants respond with trained signals. If there is any arousal from sleep, stimulation is adjusted to avoid any further arousal. Upon waking, participants give dream reports aloud that are recorded. Further interviews are conducted later in the morning. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | Prior research suggests that becoming aware while dreaming can be beneficial in several ways. Ideally there can be improved emotional regulation and deeper personal insight in waking life. Notably, a preliminary study on Dream-Yoga practitioners suggests that they may attain greater cognitive flexibility. Such adaptability is vital for handling change and is often diminished in individuals with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Lucid Dream Therapy and adapted versions of cognitive-behavioral therapy for Nightmares (CBT-N) incorporating lucidity training have helped individuals experience fewer nightmares, sleep disturbances, and related anxieties. Overall, understanding the physiological and psychological correlates of contemplative sleep practices can help us design targeted interventions to help people suffering from mental health issues. |
| Keywords | Dream yoga, lucid dream, Vajrayana |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 06-Jan-2026 |
| End Date | 05-Nov-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Northwestern University |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Health Care Seeking/Utilization |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Other (Neuroscience studies) | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Approved |