One in twenty people may experience a near-death experience. One in five people report having spiritual “adventures” after emerging from a coma. These statistics were presented by Belgian neuroscientist Charlotte Martial in a review. The author emphasizes that the boundary between “true” near-death experiences (those that pose a real risk to one’s life) and experiences similar to them is becoming increasingly blurred. It is necessary to consider a wide range of factors, and not just medical indicators.
The author discussed the NEPTUNE model. According to this system, a near-death experience is the result of a complex chain of neurophysiological and chemical processes. When the brain experiences oxygen deprivation and a drop in blood pressure, there is a surge in neurotransmitter activity. It is believed that dopamine and serotonin are responsible for vivid visual experiences, glutamate, choline, and noradrenaline facilitate the memorization of the experience, and serotonin, endorphins, and GABAergic activity promote a feeling of peace. In addition, studies have recorded bursts of gamma waves in the dying brain, which may create a short “window” for near-death journeys.
This is an evolutionary defense mechanism. It helps the psyche cope with the extreme stress caused by the proximity of death. The experience can profoundly change a person’s worldview—both positively (reducing the fear of death) and negatively (difficulties in comprehending and accepting what has been experienced). Although there is a scale for assessing the content of the experience, even insignificant indicators do not devalue it.
Recall that a near-death experience can be one of the phase states. This connection was demonstrated by participants in a well-known REMspace experiment who experienced a flight through a tunnel toward the light in a lucid dream.
The article was published in April 2025 on the website of the University of Liège.
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