Electrophysiological and phenomenological effects of short-term immersion in an altered sensory environment

•MMGF elicited alpha EEG dynamics intermediate between eyes-closed and open.•Alpha peak frequency accelerated in MMGF.•Individuals with faster alpha peak frequency self-reported more fading.•MMGF elicited a rich phenomenological experience. We examined the spontaneous cerebral electrophysiology and phenomenology during short-term perceptual deprivation consisting of an edgeless visual field combined with monotonous auditory input that eliminated potential grounding cues (multimodal Ganzfeld). Subjects (N = 22) were instructed to self-report perceptual fading using a button press. Relaxed wakefulness with closed eyes and viewing of a time-varying stimulus array served as control conditions. The power of parieto-occipital alpha rhythms during perceptual deprivation was midway between the eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions, with a state-specific frequency acceleration. Oscillatory alpha power remained enhanced in the multimodal Ganzfeld relative to viewing time-varying signals, despite no indication of diminished brain arousal. Subjects experienced a range of perceptual phenomena while in the altered sensory environment and individuals with faster alpha oscillations self-reported a greater number of fading episodes. We suggest that alpha-band electroencephalogram (EEG) dynamics signal internally oriented mentation in response to brief perceptual deprivation.