Can sensory deprivation cause altered states?
Short Answer
Sensory deprivation reliably triggers altered states by disrupting normal neural input patterns, leading to hallucinations, time distortion, and profound changes in consciousness within hours.
Why This Matters
When the brain receives minimal external stimuli, it compensates by amplifying internal neural activity and generating its own perceptual experiences. This process demonstrates how consciousness depends on the constant interplay between sensory input and neural processing. The phenomenon reveals that our normal waking state requires continuous sensory feedback to maintain stable perception and self-awareness.
Where This Changes
Individual sensitivity varies significantly—some people experience effects within 15 minutes while others require several hours. Pre-existing mental health conditions, expectations, and environmental factors influence both the intensity and type of altered states that emerge.