Which altered states occur most commonly?
Short Answer
Sleep states, meditation, daydreaming, and flow states occur most commonly, with sleep representing the most frequent altered state that all humans experience daily.
Why This Matters
These states emerge because the brain naturally cycles through different modes of consciousness based on circadian rhythms, attention patterns, and neural network activity. Sleep occurs due to adenosine buildup and circadian clock regulation, while meditative and flow states result from focused attention that shifts default mode network activity. These common altered states demonstrate that consciousness operates on a spectrum rather than as a fixed baseline condition.
Where This Changes
Frequency varies significantly across individuals and cultures, with some people experiencing meditation or flow states regularly while others encounter them rarely. Certain conditions like insomnia, ADHD, or depression can alter the natural occurrence patterns of these states.