People who say they have had near-death experiences also have abnormal brain waves, according to a study by the University of Arizona.

Researchers studied 23 people who reported having had near-death experiences, which were defined as dying, leaving one's body and moving toward a loving, peaceful light or presence, and then returning to life.

UA researchers compared the brain waves of people who have had near-death experiences during sleep with those of 23 people who reported briefly dying but not having near-death experiences.

Willoughby B. Britton, the UA researcher who led the study published in the journal "Psychological Science," said 22% of the people who had near-death experiences showed a rare brain-wave pattern known as "synchronized brain activity," which is found in people who suffer epileptic seizures.

"That is a very, very high rate," said Britton, who specializes in studying the neurological effect of traumatic events.

Only one of the 23 people in the non-near-death group had the synchronized brain pattern, which occurs in only 1% of the general population.

"This is the first study ever to find neurophysiologic differences in people who have had these experiences," Britton said. "They have to some extent an abnormal brain."

Only 10 to 18% of people who die and are brought back report having near-death experiences. The majority of the population feel intense fear and anxiety that can last for months or years and often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder marked by nightmares and chronic stress.

While the UA study does not prove that near-death experiences are actual encounters with a heavenly afterlife, it may help explain why near-death experiences leave people with little or no fear of death, an optimistic outlook on life and increased spirituality.

Susan Dayton, 58, said she had a near-death experience 30 years ago after she suffered a blood clot to the brain.

"It was the most intense, warm, loving, beautiful experience I've ever had," said Dayton, who participated in Britton's study. "I was surrounded by light and love. It was like going home."

Before the blood clot, Dayton said she drank too much, smoked two to three packs of cigarettes a day and "got married too often."

Dayton's life has changed dramatically. "I simply quit all that. I've been sober for 20 years," she said. "I have a heart now, a sense of compassion for others and absolutely no fear of death."

While the UA study shows abnormal brain activity and sleep patterns in those who have near-death experiences, it does not reveal whether participants had those peculiarities beforehand or whether their experiences caused them.

While Tucson neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Carter said the abnormal patterns likely are a result of the near-death experiences, he said that's most likely due to a lack of oxygen in the brain rather than a heavenly presence.

"Most of this can be explained on a psychological basis," he said. "I certainly don't want to say there isn't an afterlife, but I don't think these experiences are evidence for it. They can be explained."

I have had a very similar-or exactly the same type of experience,except that it was induced by LSD.I went down a tunnel,into a void,seen a brilliant white light,and then had "union" with it.Although it was induced by LSD,it was easily the most profound experience of my life.I even remember exactly when it happened,9th March 1990,11pm-1am(approx),because it was one of those things that you "knew where you were when it happened",like when JFK was shot,or 9/11(although,I am not comparing my experience with the horror of those events which affected so many people),but,to myself,it was the most important thing that happened to me.

I was a sceptic before it happened,and a total believer after,and I don't think that the LSD inducement makes any difference-I think it just "speeds up" a totally natural process,and I think that it can happen to anyone,too.(IMO.)I would like to hear more on the subject,though,and share and compare my experience with others.

Hello Dear,

I read your article and understand the content. I remember the Bible verses in I Cor 15 chp, there is a man, he had an experience of "outside the body". What i want to say here is, there is no scientific explanation for the spritual experiences.

Yours
Richard

There is no scientific explanation for the spritual experiences.
SUPPORT

spiritual experiences ARE scientific experiences.
brain chemicals and DRUGS and electrical current
have all caused experiences which would be called spiritual
but Christians see jesus or the light or relatives who've died , Jews see Yahweh,
Atheists ( if they truly are ) see their lives pass before their eyes like a slideshow because its a useful closure experience, etc etc
Disassociative chemicals are called that for a reason . I am not picking on spiritual/religious people , but I dont understand why there is nt enough proof
in teh abovementioned to disproove things for them . I seriously dont understend that one.