Understanding NDEs
What is a Near-Death Experience?
A near-death experience (NDE) is a profound psychological event that occurs when a person is close to death or in a situation of intense physical or emotional danger. These experiences often include vivid perceptions, emotions, and sometimes life-changing insights.
The Scientific Definition
According to the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), a near-death experience is a lucid experience associated with perceived consciousness apart from the body, occurring at the time of actual or threatened imminent death.
The term was coined by Dr. Raymond Moody in his 1975 book "Life After Life", which documented the experiences of over 100 people who had been clinically dead or came close to death.
Common NDE Elements
Based on our analysis of over 8,000 documented experiences, these are the most frequently reported elements of near-death experiences.
Tunnel & Light
Many experiencers report traveling through a dark tunnel toward an incredibly bright, warm light.
Out-of-Body Experience
Floating above one's physical body, often observing medical procedures or surroundings.
Deceased Relatives
Encounters with deceased loved ones, spiritual beings, or religious figures.
Life Review
A panoramic review of one's entire life, often experiencing events from others' perspectives.
Overwhelming Peace
Profound feelings of peace, love, and well-being that transcend normal experience.
Enhanced Consciousness
Heightened awareness, clarity of thought, and access to universal knowledge.
The Greyson NDE Scale
Dr. Bruce Greyson developed a standardized scale to measure the depth and characteristics of near-death experiences. The scale consists of 16 questions, each scored 0-2, with a total possible score of 32. A score of 7 or higher is generally considered indicative of an NDE.
Who Experiences NDEs?
Near-death experiences occur across all demographics, cultures, and belief systems. Research suggests that approximately 10-20% of people who come close to death report having an NDE.
NDEs have been reported by:
- Cardiac arrest survivors
- Patients during surgery
- Accident victims
- People who nearly drowned
- Those with severe illness
- Combat veterans
- People in extreme danger situations
Notably, NDEs occur regardless of religious background, age, gender, or prior beliefs about death and the afterlife. Children as young as 3 have reported NDEs with similar elements to adult experiences.
Explore Real NDE Accounts
Our database contains over 8,000 documented near-death experiences from research foundations worldwide. Search by elements, read detailed accounts, or visualize patterns in our 3D consciousness map.