The Observer’s Clock: A Theoretical Framework for Testing Consciousness-Induced Time Dilation

This paper presents a theoretical and interdisciplinary framework exploring whether distinct states of consciousness—such as meditation, deep sleep, and anesthesia—can measurably influence the flow of physical time as recorded by atomic clocks. Drawing from neuroscience, quantum mechanics, and time perception research, it introduces a testable hypothesis: that EEG-linked optical clocks may exhibit slight time deviations based on levels of conscious awareness. A quantum–neural model is proposed to explain this potential interaction. The manuscript outlines an experimental design incorporating ultra-precise timekeeping, EEG/fMRI monitoring, and synchronization with quantum measurement. While no empirical data have yet been collected, this work offers a novel conceptual foundation for future studies at the intersection of consciousness and time physics. It complements—but remains distinct from—a preregistered protocol submitted to OSF (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/F2CJP).