Awakening as Neurophenomenology: An Empirical Case Study Based on EEG
Can Chen
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) April 15, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19591310 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A subject off anxiolytics for over 6 years in a long-term self-regulated state |
| Topics | Default mode network Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Electroencephalography Neurophysiology Alpha rhythm Consciousness EEG-FMRI Cognitive psychology Alpha wave Dominance genetics Persistent vegetative state Audiology Mode computer interface |
| Key findings | The awakening state shows increased fast-wave activity (15-22 Hz) with low amplitude and immediate alpha suppression upon eye-opening, distinguishing it from drug-induced sedation. |
Abstract
This study aims to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms of the "awakening" state, defined as a shift in consciousness from Default Mode Network dominance to second-order observation. Based on neurophenomenological theory, we hypothesize that awakening manifests physiologically as DMN inhibition, increased cortical excitability, and high energy efficiency. Clinical EEG data from a subject (off anxiolytics for over 6 years) in a long-term self-regulated state revealed: increased background activity of 15-22Hz fast waves across all leads with low amplitude (5-15μV), and immediate alpha rhythm suppression upon eye-opening. The data confirms that the awakening state is not drug-induced sedation, but a specific neurophysiological mode characterized by "high alertness, low internal friction, and high acuity." This study provides physiological evidence distinguishing "drug sedation" from "conscious awakening."
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| An extended case study on the phenomenology of sequence-space synesthesia Single adult with sequence-space synesthesia | 2014 | Phenomenological case study | n = 1 |
| "I can't tell whether it's my hand": a pilot study of the neurophenomenology of body representation during the rubber hand illusion in trauma-related disorders. Individuals with the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 2016 | Case series | n = 3 |
| Neurophenomenology of an Altered State of Consciousness: An fMRI Case Study. A single research participant with self-proclaimed ecstatic Kundalini meditative... | 2016 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana. One advanced meditator with over 23,000 hours of meditation practice | 2024 | Case study | n = 1 |