Many researchers believe that reports of ghostly visions and alien abductions can be explained by _____ during N1 sleep.

• A. hypnogogic images
• B. heightened consciousness
• C. REM rebound
• D. divided consciousness

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: The question is about phenomena experienced during a specific sleep stage, N1 sleep, which is the transition from wakefulness to sleep.
2. Identify the key term: 'hypnogogic images' are vivid visual, auditory, or tactile sensations that occur during the transition from wakefulness to sleep, specifically during N1 sleep.
3. Consider the other options: 'heightened consciousness' refers to an increased state of awareness, which is not typically associated with sleep. 'REM rebound' is the increase in REM sleep following a period of sleep deprivation, and 'divided consciousness' refers to a state where attention is split between two or more tasks.
4. Relate the key term to the phenomena: Hypnogogic images can explain ghostly visions and alien abductions because they are vivid and can be mistaken for real experiences during the transition to sleep.
5. Conclude by matching the correct term: Given the context and definitions, 'hypnogogic images' is the most appropriate explanation for the experiences described during N1 sleep.