Awakening as Neurophenomenology: An Empirical Case Study Based on EEG
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) April 15, 2026 Can Chen
The awakening state, defined as a shift from Default Mode Network dominance to second-order observation, is characterized by specific neurophysiological patterns distinct from drug-induced sedation. Clinical EEG data from a single subject off anxiolytics for over six years showed increased background fast-wave activity (15-22 Hz) with low amplitude (5-15 μV) across all leads and immediate alpha rhythm suppression upon eye-opening. These findings indicate that awakening involves high alertness, low internal friction, and high acuity, providing physiological evidence that conscious awakening is a unique neurophysiological mode rather than sedation.