OBEs could offer the evidence that when the physical body dies, the mind continues into an afterlife. Sceptics suggest OBEs are just hallucinations, while others say that there is enough evidence out there to confirm that we can gain further information outside our physical bodies.

The majority of Out of Body Experiences occur at the time of actual or threatened imminent death. Often a patient will report that during surgery that they find themselves lifting above the operating table and can see the whole theatre. Suddenly they find themselves in a tunnel heading towards a bright light. Upon reaching the light the witness often meets relatives and friends who have passed away, before returning back to their body.

There are a number of organisations researching the phenomenon with the help of local hospitals. British based scientist Dr Sam Parnia recently published his findings on OBEs. He reported that it was his firm belief that consciousness continues after the brain has stopped functioning and a patient is clinically dead. This suggests that our consciousness does indeed continue after physical death.