Structural differences between non-lucid dreams, lucid dreams and out-of-body experience reports assessed by graph analysis.
Francisco T Gallo, Ignacio Spiousas, Nerea L Herrero, Daniela Godoy, Antonela Tommasel, Miguel Gasca-Rolín, Rodrigo Ramele, Pablo M Gleiser, Cecilia Forcato
Scientific reports November 9, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46817-2 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDream reports from out-of-body experiences (OBEs) have a more condensed and interconnected network structure than non-lucid dreams or lucid dreams, suggesting a more coherent and unified narrative. OBEs occur during sleep paralysis, where awareness is maintained while movement is inhibited. The relationship between lucid dreams and OBEs remains debated, with some viewing them as distinct and others as variations of the same phenomenon. This analysis of dream report structure indicates that specific nodes play a more central role in OBE reports, pointing to a specialized network organization.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 5 |
| Key finding | Out-of-body experience dream reports display a condensed and interconnected network structure compared to non-lucid dreams and lucid dreams, with specific nodes playing a more central role. |
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.