French and Austrian researchers led by Claudia Picard-Deland reviewed scientific studies on the rapidly evolving field of phase states. Devices for home use—including tools that track brain activity during sleep—are already in development. The authors are confident that science will soon uncover the causes of these states. It will then become possible to induce pleasant ones and block frightening ones.
For example, sleep paralysis may result from the brain’s attempts to compensate for disrupted sleep. Lucid dreams, on the other hand—where the sleeper realizes they are dreaming—allow direct communication with the subconscious. Scientists can already ask lucid dreamers questions and receive answers in real time (similar experiments have been conducted at REMspace). All of this can help us better understand brain function, offer potential treatments for nightmares, and improve people’s emotional well-being. Simply realizing that everything around is a dream can already reduce fear.
The authors don’t use the term “phase,” but they do emphasize the connection between lucid dreams, out-of-body experiences, sleep paralysis, and false awakenings. They argue that these phenomena should be studied in relation to one another, as they are closely linked. Studying these states together could provide new horizons in understanding how the brain works—and in treating sleep disorders.
Have you ever been frightened by the phase?
The article was published in May 2025 in the Journal of Sleep Research.
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