The NovaDreamer Review

There comes a time for every new lucid dreamer when the question arises whether or not to purchase one or more of the various devices that were invented and designed to aid the likelihood of achieving this much desired state. When somebody claims that some technological gizmo can have an impact on altering your state of consciousness, you should be skeptical. My confidence in Dr. Stephen LaBerge and the Lucidity Institute was the deciding factor. I first purchased their NovaDreamer.

The NovaDreamer sells for around $250 and is available from the Lucidity Institute in Palo Alto, California (1-800-465-8243). Admittedly, this is a chunk of change for taking a chance, but it is truly a scientifically slick and cleverly thought out device.

The mask is attractive in blue, black and silver, and you simply wear it over your eyes when sleeping. An elastic strap with velcro makes it adjustable to the size of your head and (usually) keeps it in place as you toss and turn throughout the night. Adequate size foam cutouts keep the mask from actually touching your eyes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a computer strapped to my head was not uncomfortable. The actual mechanism is the size of a thin deck of cards, and easily slips into a pocket on the front of the mask. It is powered by two AAA batteries.

Easy-to-follow instructions teach you how to select (or custom configure) any number of a variety of flashes and/or beeps to cue you when the mask's internal sensors detect that you have entered REM sleep and are dreaming. Amazingly to me, the mask does actually and accurately do this. You can set a delay in ten minute increments before the mask will begin its job of looking for your jittery eyelids. This will enable you to get to sleep without triggering false alarms and gives you control over the time of night you might choose to target for your cues. You simply need to push a hidden button on the front of the mask - let's say 9 times - and the NovaDreamer will wait 90 minutes before scanning your eyelids. The mask flashes once and lightly chirps each time you push the button, thus providing some sensory feedback as you set it.

The NovaDreamer also counts the number of times it has cued you during sleep. The flashing is so obvious through your closed eyelids that it is a bit of a shock when you discover that you have been cued many times during sleep that you have no recollection of having noticed. In most cases, your dreaming mind somehow incorporates the flashing cues plausibly into your dream environment. In other words, it is possible - even likely - that your flashing cues may appear visually in your dream as lightning (for one rather obvious example) and consequently go unnoticed as the cues they are intended to be. Lucid dreamers who employ the mask are thus wisely taught to become much more aware of lights when awake - particularly bright, flashing, or unusual ones. Thus lights become a nurtured "dreamsign," which increases the likelihood that you will recognize the NovaDreamer cues for what they really are - even though your dream attempts to disguise them. Even when I miss the cues, I am usually impressed by the incredible ingenuity of the Dreaming Self to incorporate external stimuli into the internal dreaming experience. Here is one of my own examples: one night, a procession of Roman Catholic Cardinals in their scarlet robes suddenly appeared and marched by me in my dream. I awakened just enough in this particular instance to notice that my mask was flashing. The lights in the mask are red. In some instances, though, the NovaDreamer's flashing red cues do not appear red in the dream and, as in this example, do not necessarily flash - a phenomenon I find both noteworthy and curious.

Once the NovaDreamer sensors detect REM, it waits three additional minutes before cuing you - I assume to allow you additional time to get more securely into your dream.

Now, does the NovaDreamer truly assist lucid dreaming, and is it worth the price? Yes it does and yes it is, but with a few necessary disclaimers. First of all, I had lucid dreams prior to using the device. Consequently, I can't say that it initiated the ability or guarantee it will trigger a lucid dream. With a price tag of $250, having some preliminary experience with lucidity is probably a good idea. In my own case, lucid dreaming was only an unfamiliar concept and not worth a dime - until I suddenly found myself active and conscious in a magical world of my mind's own making. After that, $250 seemed the bargain of the aeon. A vista of possibilities for experimentation beyond the physical and social limitations of our wakeworld opened before me. And one point not to be overlooked is that this state is available to every religion, belief, sexual preference, discipline and art. The NovaDreamer serves the same purpose as any thoughtfully designed tool in the hands of a skilled craftsman.

I use the device occasionally rather than frequently because I was relatively successful at having lucid dreams without it, and I don't want to risk losing the natural ability which perhaps could be suppressed by relying too heavily on external vs. internal cues. There is also the factor of novelty that I think plays a part. Flashing lights in your eyes during every dream every night is likely to become so common as to go unnoticed or be ignored. But whereas my preference would be to have lucid dreams without employing the device, it has turned out to have some unexpected benefits. For one thing, it has taught me more about the nature of both sleep and dreams. I often have insomnia but, thanks to the NovaDreamer, I have learned that I actually sleep much more than I thought. I may believe that I have been awake most of the night - only for my NovaDreamer to indicate that it has cued me many more times than I can remember.

The NovaDreamer is an ingenious tool for "reality testing" and "false awakenings" - two concepts thoroughly covered in Stephen LaBerge's books which quickly become an important part of a lucid dreamer's vocabulary. These subjects seemed simplistic to me when I first read about them, but as you become familiar with the dream state and the games it so adeptly plays to keep you from recognizing that you are dreaming, then these very elementary techniques quickly prove their worth.

Now and then someone expresses reluctance to try lucid dreaming based on the assumption that he or she will sacrifice a peaceful slumber after a hard day for a busy night of bliss. This should not be a concern since dreams occupy only a small portion of your sleep and any periods of successful lucidity even much less. My own experience, and that of other "oneironauts" indicates that it requires at least some motivation to experience lucidity occasionally and considerable passion to experience with frequency. Admittedly, the NovaDreamer cues do have the potential to fully awaken you, so if you are prone to having trouble getting back to sleep, this should be taken into consideration. I simply don't use my NovaDreamer at times when I am exhausted and recognize that my need for sufficient sleep supersedes my love for lucidity.

And one final relavant example from my dream journal is an instance in which my NovaDreamer kept flashing periodically throughout a lucid dream, in essence frequently "reminding" me that I was dreaming and preventing me from slipping back into "unconscious" dreaming. This particular dream lasted several hours and was one of my most intense and memorable. The NovaDreamer helped me maintain an important mental balance for a very long time. One of the most effective settings on my mask (for me) are flashes that are the longest possible and the brightest possible. I almost always notice these since they literally "blind me" in my dream. At first my dreams found an explanation for the temporary blindness (most notably a power failure followed by emergency floodlights), but now being "blinded by the brightness" is a recognized dreamsign that fairly predictably makes me lucid. Whether or not the NovaDreamer can or will produce a lucid dream for you, no one of course can predict with certainty. I can say with assurance that, at the very least, its dedicated use will teach you many things you didn't know about your sleep. And, to end on the positive note that this small technological wonder deserves, its potential to trigger lucidity is unquestionably there. If you are serious about being a victor over your own consciousness, this weapon should be in your arsenal. /Stephen Berlin

Dear Nicolas,

While the SuperNovaDreamer and the DreamLight are quite similar in many ways, the most significant difference is in their programmability. Basically, the DreamLight, with its more complex settings options, would be more suited to the professional dream researcher. For the average user, I'd recommend the SuperNovaDreamer.

And although the SuperNovaDreamer holds only one night's recordings, you can set up an unlimited collection of data on your personal computer where you download each night's record. Less importantly, the mask of the SND is slightly more bulky than the DL's mask since it contains the microcomputer (as opposed to the DreamLight mask, which connects to an external microcomputer via a cord).

Keelin

I placed my order for the Nova Dreamer a few days ago and anticipate its arrival. I have only had a handful of lucid dreams in my entire life, though they have interested me nearly as long. Until now however, I have not begun the (for some/most) necessary measures to induce lucidity, ie., Reality Testing, Dream Signs, etc. I am confident that I will someday be an accomplished lucid dreamer and hope the Nova Dreamer will assist me in this matter. I did not make this purchase rashly nor did I purchase it entirely for the effort of lucidity in my dreams. I also am eager to study my own REM pattern. Despite these facts I do hope to accomplish lucidity soon, if only once or twice, and am interested in how many individuals have had succesful results directly based on the Nova Dreamers performance.

Fenrir SolomonCaw@hotmail.com

Dear Fenrir,

While I'm still able to have lucid dreams either spontaneously or by way of various induction techniques, the NovaDreamer has increased the frequency of my lucid dreams dramatically. Using it is like sleeping with a friend who diligently watches you all night and gives a little knowing nudge when your eyelids are all aflutter with dreaming...

For further details, there's an article at http://www.lucidity.com/NL71.KeelinNova.html that describes my personal experiences with this remarkable device.

May you catch all the Qs in your Zs! Keelin

Mine just arrived today. I read about them a few years back and always wanted one.

I'm very surprised at the lack of protection for the circuitry inside. In fact its appalling for the money I paid for it.

There should be a protective casing around the circuitry.

The instructions arent too clear as well, they need more diagram/photo illustrations with better explanations on how to configure that device plus a short video showing you how it can be configured.

Not much to ask considering the cost. $295 + $45(FedEx post to UK)

I've persevered with it and its actually quite configurable for each person. Looking forward to using it now.

Like I say I first got into Lucid Dream study a few years back so I understand the basics of preparation before going to sleep, reality testing throughout your waking day to make it more likely you will test yourself during dream state and cataloguing your personal dreamsigns and so on.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Delboy

Hi, Rod!

Do it!

Catch the cue! Good lucid luck.

Ralf

Hi everyone,

I totally agree with you Rod, the novadreamer cicuit board should be encased. I have made my own protective case out of a box and now it works fine. I found it more or less impossible to sleep with it before simply because I was afraid to break it.

H.A

Hi Rod,

Thanks for your concern in regard to the protection of the NovaDreamer circuitry. Among other considerations, the pocket of the cloth mask and the padded foam were designed to help protect the circuitry.

Of course, all dreamers should exercise care when taking the board in and out of the pocket. However, there is little risk of damaging the circuitry when carefully handling the board; although one should minimize touching the connections.

Since comfort is a major issue with many dreamers, we did not incorporate the use of a protective casing. To eliminate bulkiness, the board was designed to flex. A casing would add extra bulk and stiffness thereby reducing overall comfort.

With all considered, we feel that we came to a good compromise with the current design; however, in the future, we have design improvements in mind.

Regards, Nathen Lockhart The Lucidity Institute

Hmm, Is the circuit board really capable of flexing without breaking? It sounds great but could you perhaps explain that a little further.

Hi Everyone,

Just received my NovaDreamer a week ago. I am really excited about it. I must admit, like others, the circuitry could be protected better and more open diagrams for the course is needed. However saying that, I am still pleased I payed £200 for it, and would buy another one if I had to.

The very first night I used it (albeit wrongly as I didn't read the instructions properly) I became lucid for the briefest moment. I awoke and carried out a reality check with the reality test button and nothing happened, no flash and no sound. I was so excited I immediately jumped up out of bed, not even looking at my surroundings and walked straight through the wardrobe, through the wall and just flew up into the sky, into complete blackness.....and I remember nothing else. I was a bit eager I suppose!

I am also surprised how the lights find their way into your dreams. Last night I was dreaming of being in a large room repairing something. I was using a small device to assist me. It was a square box with a row of flashing LED lights moving back and forth along the front of it. I didn't become lucid, but I guess this was my cue to say "Hey I'm dreaming - where do I want to go today?"

Oh well, at least I have a ND now to assist me in my quest to have at least 3 LD's a month.

Dream on, Sleepy.

Hi Hakan,

The ND board is designed for flexing while wearing the mask during sleep. When you first put on the mask, notice that the board flexes slightly from the pressure of the mask conforming to the head.

Throughout the night, the board constantly flexes with changes in sleeping posture. If the board did not flex, the unit would be much more bulky and not near as comfortable.

The circuitry is quite capable of withstanding this normal flexing. However, the board was not designed to withstand intentional bending, stepping on, dog chewing, head bashing, etc. ;-)

Lucid dreams, Nathen

Ok, thats fine. But I found it very hard to sleep just because if was so afraid to break it. Now it lays neatly inside a transparent plastic box and I can relax completely. Will come back with reports of lucid experiments. Don´t take my little criticism to hard it´s still a very good device.

Dear Hakan,

Welcome to the world of Masked Oneironauts!

While I'm delighted to know that you're now able to relax, I must admit I'm also terribly curious to know how you use the NovaDreamer while "it lays neatly inside a transparent plastic box". :-?

Or do you mean that it rests there during the day? If so, you may want to crochet a little cozy for it as, even in the OFF mode, some battery power is used to maintain the settings you've selected. This power loss is reduced if the NovaDreamer is kept in the dark.

Whatever way it works for you, have fun adventuring! We'll look forward to your future reports.

[**] Keelin

Welcome sleepy, and all;

I love the reference to the window's commercial..

I coincidently closed my last post saying that exact phase.

zzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZ(did someone say syncronicity?) z z z Joe

hey, Hathan...i am having trouble downloading info to the pc...the lights bling on the ND'er at the time I think it is getting the info, but I get a message that there is no new info?!?!?!? I take it that the com port is set right, but can't figure it out..!?!?! Low batt's possibly?!?!?!

Hi Keelin,

No I have made a new mask entirely. I made a little box out of foam pad. There are two holes for the leds and rem detectors. Then I put it inside a Transparent plastic box. Then I made a new mask in wich the plastic box lies.

Now the rem detetectors can sense the eye movement trough the plastic box and then flash it´s leds. However I have to take out the box and open the box in turn to press the reality test button. But that´s a small price to pay for making it indestructable.

Hello all,

i'd like to add that I think the batteries are a little hard to get out, I haven't had to change them yet but it feels like they are stuck in, I thought I was going to break the board the last time I tried to remove them, does anyone have any suggestions? My friend recieved a NovaDreamer on the same day as me and his came off on the first night, he layed on it in his sleep and it doesn't work now, i'm sure there must be others that have had this happen? I think it would be a good idea to have some kind of protective casing for the device.

Anyway, see you all around,

p.s. I've had the lights enter my dreams but I haven't become lucid using mine yet, it has been nearly 2 months now, i'm just wondering if it took this long for others?

O

Not sure if this is appropriate to post or not, but I am selling my NovaDreamer. Mostly for financial reason, but also because I have almost mastered LD via WILD and dont need it anymore. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1755597011&rd=1 Auction starts at $9.99 and ends Aug 10, 2002.

Peace, Dr. E

Hey Richard

Glad to hear, that your lucid dreaming skills are growing fine. Wonder if you were able to do, what you wrote about in the " Retaining large amounts of highly detailed information from the dream state" - thread. Please feel free to post any results, there. There have been some posts in this thread since you last wrote.

Yours Ralf

P.S. Have luck with selling ND

Hello,

I have been using the novadreamer for at least 4 months now very frequently. Although I adjusted it perfectly, I still find the device lying right beside me the next morning. I seem to be lucky that it hasn't been damaged so far. I would appreciate any comments or help.

Yours Franz

Franz,

The first night I wore the ND, I awoke the next morning with it laying on the floor. I checked for number of cues received and saw that I had received (2) the previous night. I rationalized that it must somehow have been bugging me, so I figured I dumped it in my sleep.

The second night I put it on, I felt the headband's "edges" sort of cutting into the spot behind my ears. I felt the spot where the ND had rested the previous night and realized that they were a little sore. Instead of tucking the headband behind my ears, I instead slipped the headband over my ears. I have had no probelms since. I wear my ND every night, and it's always on the next morning! I might also add that I actually have the band adjusted almost as tight as it will go, but after I slip it over my ears, I find that the lower it rests on the back of my head, the more comfortable it is. You may have tried these things, but you are now in possesion of my two cents worth of advice, and you know what two cents is worth these days!

Re: Breaking the circuitry and other design issues

Folks, I have owned a computer sales, service, and software design firm for the last 15 years, and you might be suprised at just how tough integrated circuit boards are. For example, we have taken PC mother/daughter boards, submersed them in water, allowed them to dry completely, and then tested them. They always work. And you know that stuff about wearing static discharge bands to handle IC boards? Well, I have 12 technicians who handle these type of boards every day. I used to require them to wear some type of discharge device, but we stopped about 10 years ago. We have never had a board "zapped" by static, though I suppose it's possible.

My beef with a design issue is with the PC interface box. It was not very well thought-out and, in my opinion, should have been designed as follows:

1. The serial interface connector and the power interface should be on the "back" of the box together. Most devices that people place on their desk or that are otherwise visible are configured this way so that the associated cords can be hidden from view. A protective plastic cover should have been designed to fit over the back, as much for aesthetic reasons as anything (I know, I said before that ICs were virtually indestructible, but I think the ND mask, as Nathen pointed out in his post, was designed for maximum comfort and flexibility)
2. The front should have had the interface plug for the mask, along with the power LED. A different colored LED indicating activity between the mask and the interface box would have been nice, too. I know the mask emits a "click" while it is exchanging data with the PC, but an Activity LED would have been a nice touch. Again, a plastic cover of some sort should have been placed over the front, as it is just plain ugly sitting on my desk with the "guts" visible. After all, this stuff ain't cheap, Bubba!

Otherwise, me happy with device......

P.S. Do not try the water trick at home!

Hi Lee,

Thank you for the suggestions on NovaDreamer design. Your thoughtful feedback is much appreciated.

Dream well, fellow masked oneironaut! Keelin