How Common Are Near-Death Experiences? NDEs by the Numbers

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are reported by an estimated 200,000 Americans a year, and studies around the world suggest NDEs are a common human experience. They have been recorded in the folklore of many cultures, and reported by people from diverse backgrounds and in widely varying circumstances.

13 million Americans, or 5 percent of the nation's population, had experienced an near-death experience. sezer66/Shutterstock

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are reported by an estimated 200,000 Americans a year, and studies around the world suggest NDEs are a common human experience. They have been recorded in the folklore of many cultures, and reported by people from diverse backgrounds and in widely varying circumstances.

Whatever the explanations behind them, NDEs have a significant impact on many people.