The SOREM-Led Induction Method (SLIM): A Novel and Theoretically Grounded Approach to Eliciting Out-Of-Body Experiences

Abstract

In parapsychological literature, out-of-body experiences (OBEs) appear closely correlatedto the phenomenon of sleep paralysis (SP), with some authors referring to the SP stateas a “gate” or “launching pad” for OBEs. Given the notorious difficulty of eliciting OBEsvoluntarily using conventional methods, this paper proposes a novel methodology foreliciting OBEs, involving the induction of SP as a precursor condition. The relationshipbetween sleep onset rapid eye movement (SOREM) sleep, SP, and OBEs are discussed, asis the work of earlier researchers who first elicited SOREM and sleep paralysis in the sleeplaboratory. The results of preliminary testing of this methodology are briefly described.