While he attends to his rats, Persinger gives me the lowdown on the haunt theory. Why would a certain type of electromagnetic field make one hear things or sense a presence? What's the mechanism? The answer hinges on the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields lowers melatonin levels. Melatonin, he explains, is an anti-convulsive; if you have less of it in your system, your brain -in particular, your right temporal lobe- will be more prone to tiny epileptic-esque microseizures and the subtle hallucinations these seizures can cause.
During a discussion about hauntings, Persinger explains the concept behind the haunt theory and its connection to electromagnetic fields. He suggests that certain electromagnetic fields might trigger auditory phenomena or feelings of presence in individuals. The mechanism at play involves a decrease in melatonin levels due to exposure to these fields.
Persinger further elaborates that melatonin serves as an anticonvulsant, and lower levels can make the brain, particularly the right temporal lobe, more susceptible to microseizures. These microseizures may lead to subtle hallucinations, potentially explaining why some people experience sensations associated with hauntings.