Alex Gardner is a gifted psychic who has been using his talents for personal gain. Recruited by his old mentor, Dr. Paul Novotny, Alex reluctantly joins a government-funded research program aimed at diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The project, based out of a university, involves a revolutionary technique that allows psychics to enter and influence the dreams of others. Alex is trained to navigate the subconscious realms of the sleeping patients, with the goal of helping them overcome their nightmares and phobias.

As Alex delves into the dream worlds of various subjects, he encounters a variety of bizarre and perilous situations, mirroring the deepest fears and fantasies of those he's trying to aid. However, he soon discovers a darker side to the research when he learns of a conspiracy within the project's ranks. The malevolent head of the program, Bob Blair, has his own plans for the dream-linking technology which involves manipulating the dreams for political purposes. As Alex grows more enmeshed in the shadowy intentions and power struggles, he must use his powers not just to navigate dreams but to survive them.