A new iPhone app aims to make your sweet dreams a little sweeter, by playing sounds which it says can supplant bad dreams with more pleasant imagery within the sleeper's subconscious thoughts.

The free Dream:ON iPhone app was created by University of Hertfordshire Professor Richard Wiseman. When placed next to the bed, the app detects when the user stops moving, which is thought to signifty that dreams are in motion.

Users can choose the type of dream they'd like to evoke, but it may take several nights of trying before the 'soundscape' takes effect, say the Dream:ON creators.

The app will then play sounds which Wiseman hopes will guide dreamers to pleasant walks in the countryside, flying, or laying out next to the ocean, rather than being hunted by demons or haunted by break-ups or bereavement. Different soundscapes, including a Wild West Shootout, can be purchased from within the app.

After a pre-determined time, when the dream is over, the app will play a light alarm. Once awake, the user will be encouraged to log their dreams in the dream catcher, which can then be shared on Twitter or Facebook.

You can even tag friends who appeared into your dreams! However, that might not be a good idea if your best friend's girlfriend happens to pay you an impromptu visit during the night.

Professor Wiseman hopes the experiment will be undertaken by 10,000 dreamers, said: "Getting a good night's sleep and having pleasant dreams boosts people's productivity, and is essential for their psychological and physical wellbeing. Despite this, we know very little about how to influence dreams. This experiment aims to change that."

Via: Guardian