Phase states such as lucid dreams (LDs), sleep paralysis (SP), false awakenings (FAs), out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and near-death experiences (NDEs) are considered similar and are referred to as phase states. Other researchers also pointed out the connection between them. Austrian authors Severin Ableidinger and Brigitte Holzinger recently published a review of existing studies without conducting their own experiments or surveys.
The scientists searched leading scientific databases to find articles that described LDs and SP simultaneously. The authors note that such studies are rare; only ten articles were reviewed.
Based on the analysis, the scientists discovered several similarities between different phase states: they are associated with the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep and are characterized by increased awareness compared to regular sleep and high brain activity. Lucid dreamers employ specific techniques to enter LDs, but these methods can also lead to SP.
However, people are often active and happy in LDs, while they are unable to move and experience terror during SP. Both states are linked to mental health, but in different ways: depression, anxiety, and stress are positively correlated with SP and negatively correlated with LD. The influence of antidepressants on LDs and the effects of alcohol and nicotine on SP were also observed.
The authors also note other phenomena associated with these states: hypnagogic hallucinations, FAs, OBEs, and flying dreams, as well as encounters with aliens and UFOs. The researchers add that OBEs can manifest as hallucinations during SP, making the experience enjoyable in such cases. The methods for inducing OBEs resemble techniques used to induce LDs.
Another interesting phenomenon is lucid nightmares. Similar to LDs, a person knows they are asleep and clearly perceives what is happening. However, like in SP, they feel trapped and helpless. The Austrian researchers propose categorizing dreams as either lucid (the dreamer has control over the situation) or pre-lucid (the dreamer has heightened awareness but cannot alter the course of events).
In summarizing the review, the authors note that these states are connected; however, research on this topic is still limited, and the data is restricted.
Which of these phase states do you find most similar?
The article was published in May 2023 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
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