Science & Blog

The research behind reDreamAI, and what we write about sleep.

The Problem: Nightmares Are More Than Bad Dreams

Around 5% of the general population suffers from nightmares. These are not just unpleasant dreams; they are intense, recurring experiences that can cause significant distress and impair daily functioning, affecting everything from mood to concentration.

The Solution: Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT)

Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is a simple, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral technique. It empowers individuals to take control of their nightmares by re-scripting them into neutral or positive narratives. This process, when rehearsed, helps the brain learn a new way of dreaming.

The Research

Three studies, one idea: IRT works without a therapist in the room, and now with an AI guide.

  1. 2017 · University of Düsseldorf · Randomized controlled trial

    Internet-based IRT works

    Gieselmann, Böckermann, Sorbi and Pietrowsky tested an internet-based IRT self-help programme with 127 patients in four groups. Rewriting the nightmare (rescripting) was the key to a lasting reduction in nightmare distress, and the programme worked just as well without personal email support. This study laid the foundation for reDreamAI. Lead author Annika Gieselmann later helped our team create reDreamAI's safety layer by collaborating with Ramon Zacharias on his master's thesis research.

    • 127patients
    • 4groups

    Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2017
    Read the study →

  2. 2021 · Osnabrück University · Clinical study

    A single session is enough

    Dr. Katharina Lüth, Judith Schmitt and Michael Schredl gave 28 people one 30-minute phone session with psychoeducation and a short form of IRT, followed by 8 weeks of practising on their own. Nightmare frequency and distress both dropped significantly: IRT works after minimal instruction.

    • 28participants
    • 8weeks
    • 30minutes

    Somnologie, 2021
    Read the study →

  3. 2026 · Osnabrück University · Randomized controlled trialNew

    AI-supported IRT works

    Julia Voss, Madlen Peters, Prof. Dr. Gordon Pipa and Dr. Katharina Lüth tested DreamMend, a web app that delivers IRT through an AI-powered chatbot, against a waitlist control group. After 8 weeks, nightmare frequency and distress fell significantly more in the app group, even with variable use: AI-supported digital IRT is a feasible and effective self-help intervention. DreamMend was the first version (MVP) of reDreamAI.

    • 42participants
    • 8weeks
    • AIchatbot

    Somnologie 30, 79–87 (2026) · open access
    Read the study →

From the Blog

Exploring the science and stories behind better sleep and peaceful dreams.

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