D-038
Electrophysiological Signatures of Consciousness During Sleep: Evidence from Lucid Dreams, Sleep Paralysis, OBEs and False Awakenings
Nerea L. Herrero1, Yohann Corfdir1, Aylin A. Vázquez-Chenlo1, Lucila Capurro1, Cecilia Forcato1
  1. Laboratorio de Sueño y Memoria, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA)
Presenting Author:
Nerea Herrero
neherrero@itba.edu.ar
Consciousness is typically absent during sleep, yet it can re-emerge in unique and immersive forms such as lucid dreams (LDs), sleep paralysis (SP), out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and false awakenings (FAs). Despite extensive phenomenological reports, the neurophysiological basis of these states remains largely unexplored. We conducted overnight polysomnography in experienced individuals, capturing ten verified episodes (3 LDs, 2 SP, 2 OBEs, 3 FAs). Using a within-subject design, we compared each conscious episode to the same individual's standard sleep stages. Consciousness markers were identified through pre-agreed ocular signals. EEG spectral power was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and permutation-based multivariate ANOVA (PERMANOVA). These states differed markedly from wakefulness and did not fit a simple hybrid model between waking and sleep. Instead, they showed distinct neurophysiological signatures with partial overlap with REM and S1, but unique configurations in reduced-dimensionality space. Notably, we report the first in-lab identification of eye movement markers during OBEs and FAs, offering empirical validation for these experiences. Spectral analysis showed LDs combined delta, theta, and low-gamma activity. SP episodes showed increased alpha, beta, low-gamma and reduced theta, consistent with heightened awareness. OBEs showed enhanced delta and theta, possibly reflecting sensory decoupling. One FA episode with lucidity markers resembled