Near-death experiences.

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound events reported by people close to death, often involving feelings of peace, out-of-body sensations, life review, and encounters with nonphysical beings. Research has focused on their frequency, psychological and physiological links, and lasting aftereffects, which commonly include increased spirituality, compassion, altruism, appreciation of life, and belief in life after death. NDEs challenge the conventional view that consciousness is always tied to brain activity, and scientific debates about the mind–brain relationship must consider these findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Near-death experiences (NDEs), profound events reported by people who have been close to death, often include feelings of peace, a sense of being outside the physical body, a life review, and meeting apparent nonphysical beings and environments; and they often precipitate profound changes in attitudes and values. Research on NDEs has focused on their epidemiology, psychophysiological correlates, and aftereffects, most commonly including increased spirituality, compassion, altruism, appreciation of life, and belief in postmortem existence. NDEs challenge the conventional assumption that consciousness is invariably linked to brain processes. Scientific discussions of the mind–brain problem must take these data into account.