This can be induced. This is 90-95% the rule for those who practice what’s known as “astral projection,” as compared to the articles figure of ten percent of the population, for those who have this “syndrome”.

Granted, the name sounds gimmicky, but it’s a very real phenomenon in which the mind remains awake, while the body goes to sleep. It carries with it very distinct, consistent sensations.

While different from a lucid dream, lucid dreams are often used as a segue to this state of consciousness.

Typically, meditation and trance induction techniques are used to reach this state, while many also have no control over it, and they go much, if not all of their lives, assuming it’s like that for everyone. Interestingly, I’d venture an experienced guess and say this occurs in roughly five to ten percent of the population, which is also the number of people who reportedly have this issue in its “syndrome” form. I wonder if there’s a connection? Obviously, the same area of the brain is being activated (or deactivated).

I also wonder if this group of individuals (most of the commenters here) are naturally predisposed to experiencing astral projection on command. It typically takes significant dedication and practice to overcome your mind falling asleep along with your body.

After 25 years of practice, the sounds remain the same for me; a coin, wobbling on the counter getting ready to come to a stop— although much louder. Low frequency noises such as that of an idling ship, and the sound that air makes, swooshing and sucking about, as it escapes from a vacuum. All of these are very typically accompanied by various crackling, popping, and banging.

Additionally, the flashing of lights, sparks, or “energy”, sometimes colorful, sometimes not, is extremely common, if not a requirement, to reaching this state, and this is usually accompanied by a vibrating sensation, which can be intense, but also is harmless.

It seems that whatever this syndrome is, it affects the region/s of the brain responsible for regulating the transition between various states of consciousness.

At this point, classic astral projection would have (or be very close) progressed to feelings of separation or detachment from your body, levitation, and ethereal, hyper-realistic, yet dreamlike, imagery.

It would be interesting to know if researchers have looked at the studies performed on astral projection over the years to see if any of it can be borrowed to assist with determining the cause, if any, of this.

For anyone who experiences noises while falling asleep-do any of the other sensations I mentioned sound familiar to you? Personally, if I didn’t already know better, I would be keen on studying AP to determine if I was naturally inclined for it.

user:	wavewrangler
created:	November 18, 2023
karma:	15