A near-death experience (NDE) is close to a religious. Survivors often talk about mystical encounters with God, angels, or deceased loved ones; the garden of Eden; a flight through a tunnel to the light; or a sense of peace. Studying this phenomenon is incredibly challenging: it is difficult to imagine a suitable experiment in the laboratory, and researchers are strongly influenced by their own beliefs, both in the selection of facts and their interpretation.
Researchers Michał Oleksowicz (Poland) and Leandro Gaitán (Spain) did not conduct surveys or collect new data on the topic of NDEs but presented their views on the possibilities of studying this phenomenon. They note that attempts have been made throughout history to explain NDEs scientifically. Among the possible physiological causes are low oxygen levels, the release of endorphins under stressful conditions, and the abnormal functioning of the limbic system and temporal lobes.
Another convincing explanation is the intrusion of REM sleep into wakefulness. Indirect statistical evidence confirms sleep disorders in NDE survivors. Moreover, some areas of the brain are involved in the mechanism of both dreams and NDEs.
However, not everyone agrees with the hypothesis of the invasion of the REM phase (as an example, the authors refer to Greyson, one of the permanent researchers of the NDE). For example, when REM sleep is invaded, another phase state – sleep paralysis – occurs, and a state of fear is typical. However, NDE survivors tend to describe bliss and happiness. In addition, NDEs usually occur under anesthesia, which suppresses REM sleep activity. Finally, survivors’ recorded brain wave patterns are typical for memories of real events, not dreams.
The authors add that pluralism is necessary, not only in terms of recognizing a variety of methods, theories, and ideas in science and practice but also as a clear endorsement of this diversity. After all, different cases require different explanations, views, and interpretations.
What explanation of the NDE phenomenon seems the most logical to you?
The article was published in August 2023 in Synthese.
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