Sleep paralysis demons: Exploring the strange reality of this intriguing phenomenon
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Terrifying encounters kept Baland Jalal wide awake and terrified for hours on end.
Back in 2005, the 19-year-old was struck by a wave of fear, lying in bed, unable to move or speak. He was aware of his surroundings, yet his body remained stubbornly asleep. Breathing heavily, he felt an ominous presence suffocating him, trying to kill him.
Sleep paralysis, an alarming sleep disorder, had taken hold of him.
The Haunting Horror of Sleep Paralysis
Dr. Matthew P. Walker, director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley, explains that sleep paralysis occurs during transitions into or out of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, much like a rush-hour traffic jam at a busy intersection. Your brain, awake and alert, and body, still asleep and immobilized, collide for a brief moment.
During deep sleep, our bodies are paralyzed so that we don't act out our dreams and potentially hurt ourselves or others. However, during sleep paralysis episodes, we regain consciousness before the muscles regain their freedom from REM-induced paralysis. The result? Scary, lifelike hallucinations.
Jalal's experiences left him curious about this phenomenon and its causes. He traveled the world, researching sleep paralysis, seeking to discover why some people experience such terrifying encounters. He is now a researcher in Harvard University's psychology department, a leading expert on sleep paralysis, and a clinician treating patients who struggle with it.
An estimated 30% of people worldwide experience at least one episode of sleep paralysis in their lifetime, but the number of individuals with recurring and impairing sleep paralysis remains unclear.
The Science and Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis
During REM sleep, our bodies are paralyzed for a few minutes, preventing us from acting out our dreams and injuring ourselves. Yet, during sleep paralysis, we regain consciousness before the paralysis wears off. This results in vivid, lifelike hallucinations. For about 40% of sleep paralysis sufferers, these hallucinations are terrifying. They can involve supernatural entities such as ghosts, cat-like creatures, or aliens, some of which can induce intense fear.
Interestingly, the contents and interpretations of these hallucinations can have a cultural basis. In Egypt and Italy, for example, people often report seeing witches and evil genies. In contrast, those living in Denmark, Poland, and parts of the United States tend to have more mundane or non-supernatural explanations for their experiences.
Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Paralysis
Although the exact cause of sleep paralysis is still unknown, several factors can increase the risk of experiencing fragmented sleep and sleep paralysis. These include stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, panic disorder, sleep deprivation, jet lag, an irregular sleep schedule, sleep disorders like narcolepsy, genetic factors, obstructive sleep apnea, substance use disorder, and certain medications, such as those used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder[1][4].
Is Sleep Paralysis Dangerous?
While sleep paralysis can be frightening, it is generally not considered dangerous. However, recurring episodes may indicate an underlying sleep disorder or cause anxiety and sleep deprivation, negatively impacting your daily energy and ability to function. In rare cases, frightening hallucinations can trigger anxiety or trauma-like symptoms.
How is Sleep Paralysis Treated?
management. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and employing cognitive behavioral therapy, especially for people with insomnia, can be helpful. In more severe cases, medication, such as SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or tricyclic antidepressants, may be used to manage sleep phases or reduce the REM phase of sleep[4].
Jalal has been working on a novel treatment for sleep paralysis, focused on meditation relaxation therapy, which has shown promising results in reducing sleep paralysis episodes by 50% after eight weeks[2]. This treatment involves cognitively reappraising the meaning of the attack, emotionally distancing oneself from it, focusing on positive thoughts, relaxing muscles, and refraining from trying to move.
Understanding the scientific basis of sleep paralysis and adopting healthy sleep habits can also empower individuals to deal better with this disturbing condition.
Sleep paralysis can be linked to the broader context of health and wellness, specifically mental health, as it is a sleep disorder that can cause terrifying hallucinations for some individuals. According to the Sleep, But Better series, sleepless nights may not only impact physical health but also mental well-being. In fact, a significant 30% of people worldwide experience sleep paralysis episodes at least once in their lives, as highlighted in the discussion about the science and symptoms of sleep paralysis. Furthermore, stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders like narcolepsy, among other factors, can increase the risk of experiencing sleep paralysis, underscoring the importance of mental health in maintaining overall well-being and ensuring a restful night's sleep.
