Structural differences between non-lucid dreams, lucid dreams and out-of-body experience reports assessed by graph analysis

Abstract

Abstract Dreaming is a complex phenomenon that occurs during sleep, involving various conscious dream experiences. Lucid dreams (LDs) involve heightened awareness within the dream environment, while out-of-body experiences (OBEs) involve the sensation of being outside one’s physical body. OBEs occur during sleep paralysis (SP), where voluntary movements are inhibited during sleep/wake transitions while remaining aware of the surroundings. The relationship between LDs and OBEs is debated, with some viewing them as distinct phenomena and others considering them different manifestations of the same underlying experience. This study aimed to characterize non-lucid dreams, LDs, and OBEs by analyzing dream reports’ structural properties. OBE reports displayed a condensed and interconnected network structure compared to non-lucid dreams and LDs. Additionally, OBE reports exhibited a specialized network structure, with specific nodes playing a more central role. These findings suggest that OBE dreams may have a more coherent and unified narrative, with certain nodes being pivotal in the network structure.