Continuous autonomic nervous system assessment using heart rate variability methodology during near-death and mystical experiences

Remembering near-death experiences and mystical experiences produces significant functional changes in the autonomic nervous system, as measured by heart rate variability. Using continuous electroencephalography with electrocardiogram monitoring, researchers compared the memories of two groups of participants. The method allowed continuous assessment of heart rate and heart rate variability during recall. The findings demonstrate that both types of experiences are associated with measurable autonomic shifts, confirming earlier reports of such changes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: We have recently recorded, processed, and published preliminary research (Part I) on brain activity by quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) tomography (QEEGt), comparing separate subjects remembering their near-death experiences (NDEs) and mystical experiences (SCE). Several reports have affirmed that NDE and SCE are related to important functional changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamus regulate pulse, blood pressure, breathing, and arousal in response to emotional cues. When activated, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for emergency actions by controlling the glands of the endocrine system. Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to how much an individual's heart rate (HR) varies, and it is a powerful method to assess the ANS. Several reports have affirmed that NDE and SCE are related to important functional changes in the ANS. We used the continuous EEG monitoring (CEEG) system to compare the memories of two groups with a NDE and a SCE. CEEG permits continuous electrocardiogram monitoring, allowing calculation of HR and HRV during SCE and NDE remembering. Hence, using HRV methodology, it is possible to assess the emotional effect of remembering NDE and SCE. Conclusion: We demonstrated the usefulness of using the CEEG methodology, which allows us to continuously assess the ANS through the HRV methodology, showing important significant functional changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and comparing SCE and NDE.