A topic of sustained scientific and academic interest for 50 years, near-death experiences (NDEs) are spontaneous, non-ordinary states of consciousness recalled by 10%–18% of people who have come close to death (Greyson, 2003; Parnia et al., 2001; Rousseau et al., 2023; van Lommel et al., 2001). Comprised of several clinically recognizable features, the characteristics of NDEs include bright or unusual light, a sense of disembodiment, intensified emotional affect such as overwhelming peace or euphoria, altered perceptions of time, interactions with nonmaterial beings, and “other-worldly” realms or landscapes (Greyson, 1983; Moody, 1975; Zingrone & Alvarado, 2009). Although numerous theories have been proposed, a lack of consensus remains on the etiology of near-death experiences, with explanations ranging from simple misfiring of the brain during its final moments to evidence of nonlocal consciousness (Facco & Agrillo, 2012; Greyson, 2015; Martial et al., 2025).
While understanding the neurophysiologic basis of NDEs poses distinct challenges, primarily because they are extremely difficult to investigate under controlled conditions, research has consistently mapped a variety of psychological, spiritual, and physical after-effects following NDEs, including sleep-related changes. In their 2024 article in the journal Dreaming, Lindsay et al. explore how NDEs can influence dreaming. Their study investigates the association between NDEs and several dream characteristics and explores whether changes reported by NDE survivors stem from the NDE itself or from the trauma associated with coming close to death.
The researchers compared three groups of participants: those who have had NDEs in the context of a life-threatening episode (NDE group, n = 138), those who have experienced a life-threatening episode but not the subjective phenomena characteristic of NDEs (non-NDE group, n = 45), and those who had never experienced a life-threatening event (control group, n = 129). Findings indicated significant differences, with large effects between groups for the majority of dream variables.
Notably, the NDE group reported a higher frequency of unusual dream phenomena such as lucid dreams, precognitive dreams, and out-of-body experiences during sleep. While more-vivid and more-lucid dreams previously have been associated with traumatic or stressful life events (Kelly et al., 2022; Miller et al., 2021), analyses revealed these experiences were primarily associated with the NDE itself rather than trauma symptoms. Furthermore, the “deeper” or more complex the NDE, the greater the reported changes.
The findings suggest that NDEs may lead to enduring transformations in consciousness that both encompass and persist beyond the immediate experience. These unusual sleep-related experiences appear to involve higher-order cognitive functions that include heightened self-awareness and self-regulation not normally available during ordinary dreaming. This study contributes to a growing body of research indicating that profound experiences like NDEs can have lasting effects on consciousness and perception, extending beyond the waking self into the realm of dreaming.