Dreaming and Hypnosis as Altered States of the Brain-Mind

January 2003
David Kahn, M.D. and J. Allan Hobson, M.D.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this article is to put forth the state space concept of brain-mind function with special emphasis on the rapid eye movement (REM) state. We also consider other states such as lucid dreaming, sleep walking and hypnosis.

The methodology correlates first person and third person information, such as the subjective experience of dreaming (first person) with the measurement of regional blood flow (PET and fMRI) during the REM state (third person).

Our findings suggest that a continuum of brain-mind states exist ranging from the naturally occurring and stable states of waking, REM and non rapid eye movement (NREM) to induced and less stable states such as lucid dreaming and hypnosis. A heuristic three-dimensional model with which to visualize this continuum of brain-mind states is presented.

This model is called AIM because it is based on the variables of brain region activation (A), the proportionate amount of external to internal information that is processed by the brain (I), and the proportionate amount of aminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation (M) of the brain.

The underlying simplifications of the model are discussed as well as what details should be added in the future. The state space model is illustrative of how altered states of consciousness may be visualized as domains in brain-mind state space.