A Kyiv-based startup creates a device that helps the brain to understand it has a dream and begin to control it.
Lucid dreaming is an ancient practice of exploring yourself and the world known for many centuries. It is most spread in the East among Buddhists and followers of ancient religious practices in Nepal and India, as well as among indigenous communities in South America. Many of us probably had this experience when you understand you are dreaming and can control your own dream. In addition to the spiritual and esoteric aspect, the feeling of virtual reality and abilities to fulfil any fantasies without obstructions from the inert material world is also an entertainment.
The recreational aspect inspired Kyiv-based developers to make a device able to initiate lucid dreams. It is called Lucid Catcher and gets activated during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase of sleep when you see dreams. When the device detects your REM, it pushes a mild electric impulse to give your brain a signal that you are dreaming. You don’t wake up, but realise you are in a dream. You can now control all events and characters in your dream. If you had this experience, you know how real everything looks. By the way, Neo, are you sure you are not dreaming right now?
Nikita, the founder and CEO of Kyiv-based startup Luciding, says he has been practicing lucid dreaming for a long time. He decided to share his experience with others and came up with the idea of making a special device that helps you realise you are dreaming. The developers compare their product to Netflix for the brain – the immersion into your dream gives you the feeling you are watching absolutely realistic series with you as one of the characters.
To advertise their technology and dispel doubts of sceptics, Luciding plans to sell its device below cost with a subscription model, which makes it look even more like Netflix. Customers can buy Lucid Catcher at full price and use it as long as they want or pay for subscription packages for 3 or 6 months. The device will stop working after the subscription period expires, but you can always prolong it.
MEL magazine shot a short documentary about the project authors, stressing that the latest events in Ukraine – the revolution, war and declining living standards – give grounds to form a culture of escaping reality. Some use alcohol and drugs for this purpose, while some open a virtual reality world in their own bedroom.
Kiev Dreamers from MEL Films on Vimeo.
Subscribe to our mailing list: