A recent study, incorporating participants from nearly three dozen countries, reveals that approximately 10% of individuals report having mystical “near-death experiences,” characterized by sensations like out-of-body occurrences. While the exact cause of these experiences remains elusive, the study suggests a potential connection to certain sleep abnormalities.
The findings indicate a possible correlation between near-death experiences and disorders of REM sleep, a phase known for vivid dreaming and temporary paralysis. Individuals who reported near-death experiences were more likely to exhibit symptoms of REM sleep disorders, including sleep paralysis and hallucinations before falling asleep.
One hypothesis proposed by researchers not directly involved in the study suggests that the brains of those undergoing near-death experiences might be blending waking and dreaming states. This intriguing connection may offer insights into the mysterious nature of these profound encounters.