What causes natural altered states to occur?
Short Answer
Natural altered states occur due to biological rhythms, neurochemical fluctuations, physical exhaustion, intense emotions, meditation, sensory deprivation, and evolutionary survival mechanisms that shift brain activity patterns.
Why This Matters
These states emerge because the brain continuously adapts its neural networks in response to internal and external conditions. Sleep cycles demonstrate how circadian rhythms naturally alter consciousness through melatonin and adenosine regulation. Extreme physical or emotional stress triggers neurochemical cascades that produce dissociative or heightened awareness states, while practices like deep meditation activate parasympathetic responses that fundamentally change brainwave patterns and regional brain activity.
Where This Changes
Individual susceptibility varies significantly based on genetics, mental health conditions, and neuroplasticity. Some people experience natural altered states more frequently due to temporal lobe sensitivity or heightened stress responses, while others may rarely encounter them outside of sleep.