Structural differences between non-lucid dreams, lucid dreams and out-of-body experience reports assessed by graph analysis.
Scientific reports – November 09, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
OBE dreams demonstrate a more coherent narrative than non-lucid and lucid dreams. An analysis of dream reports revealed that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) exhibited a condensed, interconnected network structure, with specific nodes playing crucial roles. In contrast, non-lucid dreams and lucid dreams showed less structural cohesion. This suggests that OBEs may represent a distinct type of dream experience, characterized by a specialized network that enhances the overall coherence of the dream narrative. Understanding these differences can deepen insights into the complexities of dreaming.
Abstract
Dreaming is a complex phenomenon that occurs during sleep, involving various conscious dream experiences. Lucid dreams (LDs) involve heightened awareness within the dream environment, while out-of-body experiences (OBEs) involve the sensation of being outside one's physical body. OBEs occur during sleep paralysis (SP), where voluntary movements are inhibited during sleep/wake transitions while remaining aware of the surroundings. The relationship between LDs and OBEs is debated, with some viewing them as distinct phenomena and others considering them different manifestations of the same underlying experience. This study aimed to characterize non-lucid dreams, LDs, and OBEs by analyzing dream reports' structural properties. OBE reports displayed a condensed and interconnected network structure compared to non-lucid dreams and LDs. Additionally, OBE reports exhibited a specialized network structure, with specific nodes playing a more central role. These findings suggest that OBE dreams may have a more coherent and unified narrative, with certain nodes being pivotal in the network structure.