Abstract: Findings from several studies suggest near-death experiences (NDEs) may influence sleep quality. In this study, we examined self-reported duration, latency, and quality of sleep in those who had experienced a life-threatening event and who had and had not reported an associated NDE. Participants were 154 members of the general New Zealand population who completed an online quantitative questionnaire that included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Near-Death Experience Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and Life Changes Inventory-Revised. Both the NDE and non-NDE groups indicated sleep habits had changed after their close encounter with death. Participants slept less, took longer to fall asleep, and experienced more sleep disturbances. However, we found no differences between the groups, suggesting sleep alterations occurred in response to the near-death event rather than specifically to the NDE.

Abstract: People diagnosed with cancer frequently report deleterious psychological experiences because of their diagnosis and subsequent medical treatment. One particularly helpful coping strategy reported by cancer patients is psychoeducational on spiritual topics. Anecdotally, cancer survivors reported that psychoeducation about near-death experiences (NDEs) has been a source of great comfort. In this article, we present two case studies on cancer survivors who reported that learning about NDEs helped them cope with cancer successfully by enabling them to face with greater peace both ongoing medical treatment and a potential for death.