Is there life after death? In search of answers to such eternal questions, researchers often focus on near-death experiences (NDEs), during which survivors of cardiac arrest recount journeys to heavenly realms, encounters with deceased relatives, and more. One of the prominent figures in this field is American scientist Sam Parnia. Recently, he published a new study with a group of his colleagues.
The researchers collaborated with 25 hospitals, mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom. After examining 567 cases, the authors found that only one in ten survived, half of whom were interviewed. Nearly 40% of the interviewed individuals had memories suggesting they were conscious when their hearts stopped. Moreover, brain activity patterns associated with thoughts and memories were observed in them.
Traditionally, physicians believe that the brain suffers irreversible damage approximately ten minutes after cardiac arrest. However, this study showed that such a statement is debatable. As Parnia noted in an official press release, “These recollections and brain wave changes may be signs of universal, shared elements of so-called near-death experiences.”
Parnia believes that these experiences provide a glimpse into the mystery of human consciousness, which unfolds with death. However, the authors conclude that science has not yet proven or disproven the reality or significance of NDE stories. Beyond addressing humanity’s philosophical issues, the research results could have practical benefits. For example, they could aid the development of new methods for restarting the heart or preventing brain injuries. They could also lead to advancements in transplantation.
It is worth noting that NDEs might be one of the phase states, along with lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis, and out-of-body experiences, as demonstrated in a REMspace experiment, in which a group of volunteer lucid dreamers intentionally reproduced the classic near-death scenario involving flying through a tunnel.
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The article was published in July 2023 in the journal Resuscitation.
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