Near-Death experiences now have a scientific explanation

Sight of a long tunnel or a corridor with a brilliant light at the end of it has been claimed by several people on their deathbed.  Now this has a scientific explanation. Researches show that these visions are a result of abnormal functioning of dopamine and oxygen flow in our brains. This highly aroused human brain gives “hyper real” visions.

Neurons in the brain oscillate at different frequencies producing alpha, beta, gamma, delta and theta brain waves. There is always presence of electrical signals in the brain immediately after a cardiac arrest. The test had been conducted on rats which exhibited signs of conscious activity in their dying brains. This showed that there is a hyper-consciousness in the brain because of increased activity of the neurons.

What is the source of the “light” ?

After the cardiac arrest, different electrical wave in the brain start working in unison-the cross-frequency coupling. The alpha-gamma coupling produces visual activation resulting in hallucinations. This brain activity may be the cause of the bright light people see appearing at the end of the corridor.

The findings were published in the journal Trends of Cognitive Sciences. People believe the hallucinations to be their soul leaving the body and entering into another world. On the other hand it is just the normal functioning of brain gone awry after the oxygen supply to brain is cut. A study even shows that many people who had these visions were not actually in danger of dying, but only thought they were. This experience is totally harmless.