Why Is Nitrogen Narcosis Called “Raptures Of The Deep?”

Rapture of the deep meaning

The term “Raptures of the Deep” was first used by famous scuba diver who invented the aqualung Jacques Cousteau.

So why is nitrogen narcosis called raptures of the deep? Nitrogen narcosis is called raptures of the deep from famous scuba diver Jacques Cousteau who first named it this way. Also known as the Narks or the Martini Effect. Rapture or a state of overwhelming emotion and euphoria is a symptom of nitrogen narcosis. Or the opposite is true with a feeling of anxiety or terror.

The best way to do more diving but by avoiding the raptures of the deep, is to book yourself on a scuba diving liveaboard. You can check the latest and best deals on liveaboards using the following window:

What is the meaning of rapture?

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Rapture has the meaning:

• An expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion.
• A state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion.
• A mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things.

In the same dictionary, the definition of ‘rapture of the deep‘ is nitrogen narcosis. Which of course is what the term means.

More Reading: What causes nitrogen narcosis? (Is ‘raptures of the deep’ dangerous?)

If you look at what depth nitrogen narcosis is more likely to be experienced, this is at 30+ metres (98+ feet). This is a deep dive. Hence the expression ‘rapture‘ or ‘an experience of an emotion‘ of the deep, i.e. because it happens at depth.

More Reading: At what depth does nitrogen narcosis occur? (Raptures of the DEEP)

The feelings of emotion or ‘rapture‘ experienced from raptures of the deep or nitrogen narcosis include the following:

• Mild to strong euphoria.
• Idea fixation.
• Over confidence and sense of well-being.
• Anxiety.
• Laughter and hysteria.
• Terror.
• Sense of impending blackout.
• Sense of levitation.
• Mental confusion.
• Manic or depressive state.

I hope you enjoyed this article about why is nitrogen narcosis called Raptures of the Deep

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