2024-10-31 15:51:00
October 31, 2024
Some fear ghosts… others claim to have seen them. What if these weren’t just legends? Behind these disturbing experiences lies a fascinating scientific phenomenon: sleep paralysis, which affects around 20% of the population.
Imagine this situation: you wake up, fully conscious, but unable to move a single muscle. Worse still, you perceive a threatening presence in your room. A very real situation for people suffering from “sleep paralysis”.
« Sleep paralysis occurs when you can’t move your muscles when you wake up or go to sleep », explains the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. “ This is because your body is in sleep mode, but your brain is active. »
Paradoxical sleep…
Clearly, it all starts during paradoxical sleep, this phase where our dreams are the most “real”. During this phase, the level of brain activity is higher. Additionally, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate increase. It is also at this precise moment that our dreams and nightmares are the richest and most detailed. But, paradoxically, it is the case to say, during this period, “ the body enters a state of temporary paralysis called muscle atonia », notes the Sleep Foundation in the United States. “ This state is likely a mechanism to prevent sleepers from harming themselves while interpreting their dreams.. »
Well in sleep paralysis, the line between sleep and wakefulness becomes blurred. When a person is about to wake up or fall asleep, they become aware of their surroundings while their muscular paralysis lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. The person can then feel changes in their environment that do not really exist: an intruder, the sensation of being outside their body, etc.
According to the Sleep Foundation, “About 3/4 of people who suffer from sleep paralysis will also have auditory, visual, tactile or other hallucinations, also colloquially called ‘sleep demons’. »
What are the causes?
Sleep paralysis is most often triggered by a lack of sleep. Certain conditions can contribute to its occurrence, such as narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. Intense stress can also be the cause.
On the processing side, “ a GP may be able to treat an underlying condition that could trigger sleep paralysis, such as insomnia or post-traumatic stress disorder », reassures the NHS. “ If that doesn’t help, they may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders. »
Source : Sleep Foundation, NHS
Written by: Vincent Roche – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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#ghosts #myth #scientific #reality #news
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Jenkins, Sleep Scientist**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Jenkins! Thank you for joining us today to discuss sleep paralysis, a phenomenon that has intrigued and frightened many people. Can you explain what sleep paralysis really is and how it affects individuals?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Absolutely! Sleep paralysis is a condition where an individual is temporarily unable to move or speak when transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. It typically occurs during the REM phase of sleep, also known as paradoxical sleep, when your brain is very active, but your body’s muscles are essentially turned off. This can lead to some extremely distressing experiences, especially if the individual senses a presence in the room—what some might describe as a ghostly figure.
**Editor:** That sounds terrifying. How common is sleep paralysis?
**Dr. Jenkins:** It affects about 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Some might experience it only once or twice, while others may have repeated episodes. Stress, sleep deprivation, and irregular sleep schedules can all increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis.
**Editor:** Many people report feeling a sinister presence during these episodes. Is there a scientific explanation for why they have these terrifying sensations?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Yes, the sensations often described can be attributed to the brain’s heightened activity during sleep paralysis. When people are unable to move but are awake and aware, they might interpret any noise or shadowy figures as a threatening presence. It’s a mix of the brain being active and the body being immobile, which can create an unauthentic and often frightening perception of reality.
**Editor:** That raises an interesting point about the intersection of science and folklore. Many cultures have myths surrounding sleep paralysis; do you think these tales have any basis in the experiences of those affected?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Definitely! Historical accounts of sleep paralysis are often framed in the context of spiritual or supernatural experiences, which makes sense given the sensations involved. Many cultures have their own interpretations—like the “old hag” in Western folklore or the “jinn” in Middle Eastern stories. These narratives may arise from the very real feelings of fear and helplessness associated with the experience.
**Editor:** What can individuals do to minimize their risk of experiencing sleep paralysis?
**Dr. Jenkins:** Establishing good sleep hygiene is key. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stress, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Avoiding caffeine and stimulating activities before bedtime can also be helpful. In cases where sleep paralysis occurs frequently and is distressing, consulting with a medical professional or sleep specialist might be a good idea.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for shedding light on this compelling and often misunderstood experience.
**Dr. Jenkins:** Thank you for having me! It’s essential to continue discussing and studying phenomena like sleep paralysis to demystify them and help those who suffer from it.