Do OBEs, NDEs and AAEs just seem different types of lucid dreams?
A. No. First off, even a minimal definition of a lucid dream requires that you realize that you dream during the experience. OBEs, NDEs, and AAEs fail this test because people who have experienced them usually vehemently deny that they could have possibly dreamed it. They did not believe that they dreamed during the experience, and often continue to deny this possibility even after subjected to strong social pressure to do so. Many have reported losing their fear of death after having OBEs and NDEs, or have acquired new and potent fears after AAEs. No one that I know of has reported on lucid dreams having these particular profound effects on those who have experienced them. (see the Appendix in this FAQ). Of course, you can have dreams of OBEs (or NDEs or AAEs) just as you have dreams of anything else. The inexperienced or obtuse often confuse dreams of OBEs with OBEs, thereby confusing the issue.
