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Psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT Alters Brain States, Sparks Hope for Depression Treatment

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in Communications Biology shows that the psychedelic drug 5-MeO-DMT induces a unique brain state in mice that blends wakefulness and deep sleep.
Researchers observed brain waves typical of deep sleep while the mice remained physically active.
Benjamin Bréantunder at the University of Oxford led the study, which suggests 5-MeO-DMT may alter brain activity to help treat severe depression and anxiety and describes a dissociated state called "Paradoxical Wake."

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Story summary

A study in Communications Biology shows that the psychedelic drug 5-MeO-DMT induces a unique brain state in mice that blends wakefulness and deep sleep.
Researchers observed brain waves typical of deep sleep while the mice remained physically active.
Benjamin Bréantunder at the University of Oxford led the study, which suggests 5-MeO-DMT may alter brain activity to help treat severe depression and anxiety and describes a dissociated state called "Paradoxical Wake."