Exploring the Science Behind Dream-Based Communication

Montague Ullman’s “dream telepathy” studies examined whether information could be transferred between people during sleep, using dreams as the medium. Working with psychologist Stanley Krippner and others, Ullman conducted systematic experiments at the Maimonides Medical Center in the 1960s and 1970s. Their research sought to determine if one person's thoughts or images, sent intentionally, could appear in another person's dreams.

The experiments involved “senders” focusing on specific images or ideas while “receivers” slept in a controlled environment. Dream reports were then compared to the target material for possible connections. These studies sparked discussion about the nature of consciousness and the limits of human perception, generating both curiosity and criticism among scientists and the public.

Background of Dream Telepathy

Dream telepathy research explores whether sleeping individuals can communicate thoughts or images through non-physical means. The concept is closely linked to broader studies of telepathy, extrasensory perception (ESP), and traditions in paranormal research.

Definition of Dream Telepathy

Dream telepathy refers to the claimed ability for a person to send or receive information to another individual while dreaming, specifically during REM sleep. The process is said to bypass normal sensory channels, suggesting a mind-to-mind connection. Unlike clairvoyance or precognition, which involve gaining knowledge through supernatural means, dream telepathy specifically focuses on direct mental communication occurring during sleep states.

In scientific texts, dream telepathy is usually positioned as a subset of telepathy within the larger ESP category. While mainstream science generally does not support its existence, the phenomenon has been explored in a series of controlled sleep laboratory experiments, notably those led by Montague Ullman in the mid-20th century.

Historical Context

Efforts to study dream telepathy gained traction during the 1960s and 1970s. This period saw a surge in interest in consciousness studies, partly influenced by broader cultural and scientific explorations of the mind.

Earlier anecdotal reports and cases of supposed dream communication date back centuries, but systematic laboratory investigation began with the work of researchers like Ullman at Maimonides Medical Center. These studies involved attempts to detect whether “senders” could influence the dream content of “receivers” without physical contact or sensory cues.

Although skepticism from the scientific establishment was common, the published reports and books, such as Ullman’s Dream Telepathy, led to ongoing discussion about the limits of human psychology and perception.

Overview of Extrasensory Perception

Extrasensory perception (ESP) is a category of claimed abilities allowing humans to acquire information outside the known senses. ESP typically includes telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.

Within ESP, telepathy involves direct mind-to-mind communication. Clairvoyance involves acquiring information about distant or unseen events. Precognition refers to knowledge of future events prior to them occurring.

Dream telepathy research is situated within this ESP framework. Researchers attempted to isolate telepathic experiences to the unique aspects of dreaming, particularly in highly controlled experimental settings, to separate true ESP from ordinary coincidence or subconscious perception.

Paranormal Research Traditions

Paranormal research has for decades attempted to validate phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific explanations. This includes the systematic study of ESP, telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis.

Prominent laboratories and organizations have carried out standardized tests of ESP, frequently using dream states due to their supposed access to unconscious cognitive processes. The dream telepathy experiments at Maimonides were notable for using rigorous sleep laboratory designs, which distinguished them from informal case studies or anecdotal reports.

Despite continued skepticism, dream telepathy remains a recurring topic in both academic and popular discussions of the paranormal, illustrating the persistent interest in phenomena that challenge accepted models of perception and consciousness.

Montague Ullman and His Research

Montague Ullman played a key role as a psychologist and dream researcher in the field of dream telepathy. Significant collaborations and key publications marked his career, shaping the understanding of dream ESP experiments.

Biography of Montague Ullman

Montague Ullman (1916–2008) was an American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst widely recognized for his innovative work on dreams and their relation to extrasensory perception. He spent much of his career studying the boundaries between traditional psychology and parapsychology.

Ullman served as the director of the Maimonides Medical Center’s Dream Laboratory in Brooklyn, New York. His interest in exploring the therapeutic and scientific value of dreams positioned him at the forefront of dream research during the late twentieth century.

His work questioned established scientific assumptions about consciousness and dream states. Ullman published numerous articles and books, advancing public and professional understanding of the potential for ESP events during REM sleep.

Collaboration With Stanley Krippner

Stanley Krippner, a prominent psychologist known for his work in parapsychology, became Ullman’s key collaborator throughout much of the Maimonides Dream Laboratory research. Together, they designed and conducted a series of controlled experiments starting in the 1960s, aiming to test whether information could be transferred telepathically between individuals during laboratory-monitored sleep.

Their research involved a “sender” focusing on target images while a “receiver” slept in a separate room under observation, with dream content later compared to the target images. This protocol became a standard for dream telepathy studies.

Krippner’s expertise in experimental design and statistical analysis strengthened the credibility of the research. The partnership contributed to both specialized scientific literature and broader public interest in dream ESP phenomena.

Role of Alan Vaughan

Alan Vaughan, a writer and researcher with an interest in parapsychology, contributed both editorial oversight and conceptual insights to the documentation of the dream telepathy studies. Vaughan worked with Ullman and Krippner in shaping the published work that arose from the Maimonides experiments.

His background in science writing helped provide accessible explanations and context for readers unfamiliar with technical psychological concepts. Vaughan’s role was especially important in communicating the findings beyond academic circles.

He often highlighted the real-world implications of the research and made the methodology understandable to a general audience. His contributions made the complex subject matter more approachable.

First Edition and 50th Anniversary Edition

The original findings from the Maimonides Dream Laboratory were first published in the influential book Dream Telepathy: Experiments in Nocturnal Extrasensory Perception by Montague Ullman and Stanley Krippner, with contributions from Alan Vaughan. The first edition became a foundational text for both academic researchers and lay readers interested in dream studies and psychic phenomena.

In 2023, a 50th anniversary edition was published, reflecting ongoing interest and historical significance. This edition included retrospective commentary, updated context, and analysis of the original experiments' impact on both parapsychology and mainstream science.

Both editions have played crucial roles in sparking discussion about the evidence and interpretation of dream telepathy. The books remain standard references in the literature of dream research.

The Maimonides Dream Laboratory

The Maimonides Dream Laboratory marked a pioneering effort in the investigation of dream telepathy and extrasensory perception. Located within a medical center, it became known for its structured environment and methodological rigor.

Establishment at Maimonides Medical Center

The Maimonides Dream Laboratory was founded in 1962 at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Its creation followed several years of preliminary pilot studies that indicated potential links between dreams and extrasensory perception (ESP).

Montague Ullman, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, led the initiative, seeking a controlled research setting to scientifically test dream telepathy. The support of the hospital administration was critical, as it provided credibility and resources that were often unavailable to parapsychological research.

The choice of a hospital setting offered access to medical expertise and sophisticated equipment. It also allowed researchers to monitor subjects’ physiological changes during sleep, such as using electroencephalograms (EEGs) to identify REM sleep—the phase most associated with vivid dreaming.

Laboratory Setup and Facilities

The laboratory was designed specifically for sleep and dream research, containing dedicated sleep rooms and observation areas. Participants, known as "receivers," spent the night in soundproofed and electrically shielded rooms to prevent ordinary sensory cues.

A separate area housed the "senders," who attempted to mentally project or “send” images to the receivers while they slept. Researchers monitored subjects using EEG to track the onset and duration of REM periods, during which dream recall and potential telepathic transfer were most likely.

Comprehensive controls were implemented to isolate the experiment from possible contamination. Physical separation, strict protocols, and randomization of target materials helped ensure data integrity and minimize bias.

Key Personnel and Roles

Dr. Montague Ullman served as the laboratory director, overseeing methodological design and interpretation of results. Dr. Stanley Krippner, a psychologist, joined the project and was instrumental in organizing sessions, supervising procedures, and analyzing data.

Other staff included medical technologists who operated EEG machines and assistants who managed logistics. Selected volunteer participants acted as receivers or senders in the experiments, with strict adherence to blinding procedures.

The clear division of roles and responsibilities contributed to the laboratory’s reputation for systematic, well-documented research in dream studies and telepathy.

Experimental Design and Methodology

Montague Ullman’s studies on dream telepathy relied on carefully structured experimental methods. These methods addressed how subjects were chosen, how the experiments were conducted, and the handling of target materials and dream reports.

Selection of Subjects

Ullman’s experiments typically recruited adult volunteers, often from college or research communities. Subjects did not require prior experience with psychic phenomena or dreaming research. Qualification instead focused on willingness, reliability, and an ability to remember dreams upon awakening.

Researchers used screening questionnaires to ensure participants did not have sleep disorders or other factors that might disrupt the experimental protocol. Each subject received clear instructions about procedures and expectations for documentation. Multiple subjects were often used in a session, including both “dreamers” and “senders.”

Dream Telepathy Experiments

The core of Ullman’s research was the dream telepathy experiment, generally conducted in a sleep laboratory. One subject (“receiver” or “dreamer”) spent the night in a controlled, isolated room equipped for sleep monitoring. Another participant (“sender”) stayed in a separate location and attempted to mentally transmit information.

Researchers monitored physiological indicators of sleep, especially the onset of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Communication between rooms was strictly controlled. The sender aimed to transmit the details of a specific target stimulus, usually while the dreamer was in REM sleep.

Use of Target Stimulus and Target Pool

A central component of each trial was the selection of the target stimulus. Common targets included photographs, paintings, or simple images. Each experimental session used a “target pool,” usually consisting of a set of four or more items chosen for their clear, distinctive features.

A target was randomly selected from this pool under controlled conditions to minimize bias. Only the sender knew the target during the night. Strict randomization procedures and documentation were used. Images are typically sealed in opaque envelopes or otherwise shielded from unintended disclosure.

Element Description Target Stimulus Image or artwork Target Pool 4–8 varied, easily differentiated items Random Selection By lot or computerized process

Dream Reports and Target Preparation

All dreamers were instructed to verbalize or record their dreams immediately after being awakened, especially following REM periods. These dream reports were detailed, including as much content as possible, and often audio-recorded for accuracy. Researchers avoided providing cues or suggestions about the target image during collection.

Target preparation involved sealing targets before the session and assigning an independent party to manage the target pool. After sessions, independent judges compared dream reports with the possible targets. Scoring criteria emphasized specific correspondences rather than vague associations, helping to standardize interpretation.

Controls and Procedures

Rigorous controls were central to the Ullman dream telepathy experiments. Careful protocols were used to minimize bias, prevent sensory leakage, and ensure the integrity of target presentation and data collection.

Sensory Cues and Sensory Leakage

Minimizing potential sensory cues was a top priority in Ullman's laboratory studies. Participants—including both the dreamer and the sender—were separated in different rooms, often on different floors of the Maimonides Medical Center.

The use of soundproof and sometimes visually isolated chambers helped to prevent accidental communication through speech or gestures. Researchers paid close attention to the capabilities of the building and equipment, checking for any possible sources of unintended information transfer.

Strict time schedules and minimal contact ensured that the dreamer could not pick up clues before or during the dream phase. Lab staff also refrained from discussing any details related to the target.

Opaque Envelopes and Target Material

All target materials, such as pictures or art prints, were placed inside large opaque envelopes. This procedure was designed to block any accidental visual identification or subtle clues from handling the materials.

Selection of the target was randomized and overseen by someone not directly involved in the immediate session. Only the sender, not the dreamer or main experimenters, had access to the envelope until after the session ended.

Materials chosen as targets varied by experiment but generally avoided famous or easily recognizable images to reduce the influence of memory or suggestion. This ensured that any matching responses in the dream report could not be attributed to prior knowledge.

Pilot Session Protocols

Each study phase began with pilot sessions to test for procedural weaknesses and potential breaches in the protocol. Pilots allowed researchers to observe how the setup operated in practice, noting any unintended interactions between staff, senders, or dreamers.

Any signs of information leakage or inconsistencies in protocol were logged and addressed before main experiments commenced. Changes were made as needed, such as adjusting schedules or reassigning roles, to strengthen the integrity of the setup.

Pilot sessions were documented in detail, often using checklists and standardized forms. This ensured every aspect of the protocol was strictly followed, and deviations could be easily traced and corrected.

Key Findings of the Dream Telepathy Studies

Montague Ullman’s dream telepathy experiments provided data on the possibility of telepathic communication during dreaming. The research revealed patterns in dream content, emotional responses, and potential non-verbal information transfer.

Summary of Results

Across multiple studies at the Maimonides Medical Center in the 1960s and 1970s, Ullman and his colleagues tested whether a "sender" could influence the dreams of a "receiver" sleeping in a different room. Random images or artworks were typically selected as target material for the sender to concentrate on.

A key finding was that independent judges could match dream reports to the correct target image at rates above chance in several sessions. Although replication attempts and statistical outcomes varied, some sessions produced results that suggested the possibility of nocturnal ESP (extrasensory perception).

Skeptics noted methodological concerns and inconsistencies. However, the studies established a foundation for systematic research into telepathic dreams.

Notable Telepathic Dreams

Several dreams reported during the experiments closely mirrored specific target images or themes. For example, subjects sometimes described objects, settings, or emotional tones that fit the content of the sender's chosen image with detail and accuracy.

In one instance, a receiver dreamed about a circus just as the sender focused on an image of a circus scene. Another report included visual details like "clown faces" that matched the target. These compelling matches were rare but significant in the context of the study's controls.

Table: Examples of Dream Matches

Target Image Theme Notable Dream Content Circus Scene Clowns, tents, crowd Ocean Landscape Waves, ships, sea Famous Artwork Colors, shapes, styles

Emotional Intensity and Impact

Dreams with apparent telepathic content often carried strong emotional intensity for participants. Subjects reported heightened feelings of surprise, curiosity, or unease upon learning about the target image afterward.

The emotional tone of a target sometimes seemed to transfer as well. If a sender focused on an image with distressing or joyous elements, these same moods sometimes appeared in the receiver's account. Participants described a deep sense of connection, even when unaware of the experiment’s aims.

Emotional impact was not reported in every session, but when present, it appeared more pronounced in dreams that matched targets closely. This point supported the idea that emotional salience might play a role in the telepathic process.

Role of the Telepathic Sender and Receiver

Montague Ullman’s dream telepathy studies assigned distinct roles to participants: the telepathic sender, responsible for attempting to transmit a target image, and the receiver, whose task was to dream and later report dream content. Success depended on clear methods and careful procedures for each role.

Telepathic Sender Techniques

The telepathic sender was usually isolated in a separate room to avoid any direct contact with the receiver. Their main task was to concentrate on a specific image, artwork, or scene, typically selected at random to avoid bias.

Senders often used artwork or photographs placed prominently in their view. Techniques for focus included repeated visual examination and attempts to mentally “send” impressions of the image. In some studies, such as the Grateful Dead experiment, large numbers of people acted as senders, although most experiments used just one sender at a time to maintain control.

Key Practices:

Visual fixation and suggestion
Avoiding external distractions
Adhering to strict schedule and protocol

The process usually took place during the night, aligned with the timing of the receiver’s REM sleep cycles.

Responsibilities of the Telepathic Receiver

The receiver was tasked with sleeping under monitored laboratory conditions, often with EEG technology used to detect REM sleep phases. Upon entering REM sleep, the receiver was awakened and asked to describe any dream content in detail, focusing on images, themes, or feelings.

They were encouraged to give unfiltered, spontaneous reports immediately after each REM period. Receivers had no contact with senders and no knowledge of the target image. Objectivity and open-mindedness were essential, as any prior knowledge could interfere with results.

Receiver Protocols:

Provide immediate dream recall after each REM period
Avoid interpretation until after the experiment
Maintain detailed and honest reports

Accurate communication and neutrality were critical to the success of these experiments.

Noteworthy Experimental Sessions

The dream telepathy research led by Montague Ullman included a variety of experimental setups to test the possibility of extrasensory communication during sleep. Specific sessions involving musicians, large public settings, and visual target materials shed light on unique methodological approaches and findings.

The Holy Modal Rounders and Grateful Dead Session

A series of dream telepathy experiments incorporated collaborations with musicians to create more dynamic and varied environments for testing ESP. Notably, sessions involved the Holy Modal Rounders and, separately, members of the Grateful Dead.

During these events, musicians attempted to mentally send images or ideas to sleeping subjects in a controlled environment. The inclusion of well-known artists served to both attract public interest and provide unique, emotionally charged target material.

Outcome reports indicated that participants occasionally incorporated surprisingly accurate musical imagery or related themes into their dream narratives. However, strict protocols were maintained to limit normal communication and to account for potential biases.

Capitol Theater and Concert Audience Experiments

Expanding beyond the laboratory, the dream telepathy team conducted sessions at venues such as Capitol Theater. Here, they explored whether a large concert audience could influence the dreams of someone sleeping at a distance.

In these experiments, audiences were asked to focus on a particular image, story, or theme while a designated "receiver" slept, monitored by researchers. The sizable group setting provided an opportunity to test collective influence on dream content.

Some experimental nights yielded dream reports containing references or elements related to the chosen audience targets. These events demonstrated the feasibility of conducting dream telepathy tests outside traditional laboratory environments and prompted discussions about group consciousness effects.

Art Prints as Target Materials

A core part of Ullman’s research involved using art prints as telepathy targets. These vivid, diverse images served as standardized stimuli intended to elicit distinct dream imagery.

A selector, known as the "agent," would view the chosen art print and attempt to transmit its content to the dreaming subject. The subject's dream reports were then compared by independent judges to multiple possible target images.

This approach allowed for quantitative analysis using blind judging procedures, lending an objective aspect to the data collection. Notably, several sessions produced dream content that matched key elements of the targeted art prints more often than expected by chance.

Controversies and Criticisms

Ullman’s dream telepathy studies attracted both intrigue and skepticism. Key criticisms focus on whether the experiments were adequately protected from unintended information transfer and if the procedures were sufficiently rigorous.

Allegations of Sensory Leakage

Sensory leakage has been one of the chief criticisms directed at the dream telepathy experiments. Sensory leakage refers to the possibility that participants received conventional sensory cues rather than demonstrating any extrasensory perception.

Some critics pointed to the proximity between experimenters and participants, raising the chance that subtle sounds, visual cues, or behavioral hints may have unconsciously influenced dream content. The setup in which a “sender” attempted to transmit an image to a sleeping “receiver” could allow for unintentional signals if the environment was not fully controlled.

Documented protocols often struggled to eliminate every potential channel of unintentional information transfer. Critics argued that without airtight isolation, claims of true dream telepathy could not be considered compelling.

Debate Over Experimental Intactness

Another major controversy centered on the overall intactness of the experimental design. Scientific skeptics questioned whether Ullman’s methods met the standards required for robust, replicable research.

Reviewers frequently cited issues such as small sample sizes, insufficient randomization, and inadequate blinding procedures. These weaknesses made it difficult to rule out chance results, experimenter bias, or non-paranormal explanations.

Some experiments lacked fully independent monitoring or third-party verification, further reducing scientific confidence. Meta-analyses later concluded that, even with positive results, methodological flaws in experiment design prevented firm conclusions about the existence of dream telepathy.

Academic Impact and Legacy

Montague Ullman’s dream telepathy studies sparked discussion and research within parapsychology and beyond. His work generated both significant influence among proponents of psychic research and critical scrutiny from the broader scientific community.

Influence on Parapsychology

Ullman, together with Stanley Krippner, advanced experimental approaches to psychic phenomena by focusing on the possibility of telepathic communication during REM sleep. Their documented studies at the Maimonides Medical Center introduced structured, controlled methods to dream telepathy research.

They reported over 40 experimental studies, inspiring new research paths in extrasensory perception (ESP) and dream studies. Other parapsychologists adopted their procedures, which established a standard for subsequent work in the field.

Despite ongoing debates about replicability, Ullman’s legacy in parapsychology is seen in specialized conferences, continuing studies, and persistent interest in the dream-psi connection.

Journal of the American Society of Psychosomatic Dentistry

Ullman and his colleagues published some related findings in specialty journals, including the Journal of the American Society of Psychosomatic Dentistry. Their articles explored connections between physiological processes, mental health, and paranormal phenomena such as dream telepathy.

This journal provided a unique platform to discuss interdisciplinary subjects like the integration of psychosomatic theory and psychic research.

Although not a mainstream scientific publication, it attracted a readership interested in the possible interplay between mind, body, and unexplained mental phenomena. Publications in such forums helped keep the discussion of dream telepathy active in psychosomatic and parapsychological circles.

Reception in the Scientific Community

The mainstream scientific community largely greeted Ullman’s dream telepathy experiments with skepticism. Critics questioned the methodology, controls, and statistical rigor of the studies, often citing a lack of conclusive evidence.

Independent replication attempts yielded mixed results, which further fueled criticism. Peer-reviewed journals in psychology and neuroscience rarely accepted papers supporting dream telepathy, favoring more conventional explanations for reported findings.

However, Ullman’s work is frequently referenced in reviews of parapsychology, highlighting both its originality and the controversies surrounding evidence for psychic phenomena. His studies remain a case study in the challenges of researching claims at the boundaries of current scientific understanding.

Theoretical Implications and Future Directions

Montague Ullman’s dream telepathy studies have raised new questions about the function and nature of dreams, as well as their possible biological and psychological correlates. These findings open up specific avenues for research on human consciousness, psychic phenomena, and the physiological mechanisms involved.

Implications for Understanding Dreams

Ullman’s experiments suggest that dreams may not be purely random or internally generated phenomena. Instead, his research introduced the possibility that dreams could, under certain conditions, incorporate information seemingly transmitted between individuals without traditional sensory channels.

Such implications prompt re-evaluation of established models of dream formation. Dream telepathy, if validated, could mean that the dreaming mind is more receptive to external influences than previously believed. This would encourage scientists to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous dream content more rigorously.

In practical terms, these findings highlight the need to refine methodologies in dream research. Experimental controls, objective measures, and clear operational definitions of telepathic phenomena are now viewed as essential for advancing this branch of study.

Connection to Spinal Chakras

Though Ullman did not focus on chakras, some interpretations of his work connect dream telepathy to the concept of spinal chakras in various spiritual traditions. Proponents theorize that energy centers along the spine could play a role in non-ordinary communication experiences during sleep.

This idea suggests the involvement of subtle physiological or energetic processes during REM phases of sleep, when dream telepathy is most often reported. While there is limited empirical support, a few researchers propose that spinal chakras may contribute to heightened receptivity or transmission of information during dreaming.

Further research is needed to clarify any such connections. Careful investigation of physiological correlates—including brainwave patterns, heart rate variability, and subjective energy experiences—could help better evaluate these claims.

Potential for Future Telepathy Research

Ullman’s approach provides a foundation for the design of rigorous dream telepathy experiments. Recent meta-analyses and reviews show ongoing interest, but replication and expansion of results are necessary for scientific validation.

Future research could explore variables such as target selection methods, wakefulness during transfer attempts, and individual differences in susceptibility. Applying advanced neuroimaging and psychophysiological monitoring during experiments may reveal underlying mechanisms and clarify the extent of possible telepathic effects.

Collaboration between parapsychologists, neuroscientists, and sleep researchers could help develop robust protocols. Research priorities in this area may include large-sample studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and integration of subjective reports with physiological monitoring for a multidimensional understanding.

The Dream Telepathy Studies of Montague Ullman