Sleep Paralysis - Revision history

TeraS at 19:55, 28 October 2014

2014-10-28T19:55:01Z

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	* ''Ogun Oru'' is a traditional explanation for nocturnal disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria; ''ogun oru'' ("nocturnal warfare") involves an acute night-time disturbance that is culturally attributed to demonic infiltration of the body and psyche during dreaming. ''Ogun oru'' is characterized by its occurrence, a female preponderance, the perception of an underlying feud between the sufferer's earthly spouse and a "spiritual" spouse, and the event of bewitchment through eating while dreaming. The condition is believed to be treatable through Christian prayers or elaborate traditional rituals designed to exorcise the imbibed demonic elements.<ref name="pmid17379609">{{cite journal \|author=Aina OF, Famuyiwa OO \|title=Ogun Oru: a traditional explanation for nocturnal neuropsychiatric disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria \|journal=Transcultural psychiatry \|volume=44 \|issue=1 \|pages=44–54 \|year=2007 }}</ref>		* ''Ogun Oru'' is a traditional explanation for nocturnal disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria; ''ogun oru'' ("nocturnal warfare") involves an acute night-time disturbance that is culturally attributed to demonic infiltration of the body and psyche during dreaming. ''Ogun oru'' is characterized by its occurrence, a female preponderance, the perception of an underlying feud between the sufferer's earthly spouse and a "spiritual" spouse, and the event of bewitchment through eating while dreaming. The condition is believed to be treatable through Christian prayers or elaborate traditional rituals designed to exorcise the imbibed demonic elements.<ref name="pmid17379609">{{cite journal \|author=Aina OF, Famuyiwa OO \|title=Ogun Oru: a traditional explanation for nocturnal neuropsychiatric disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria \|journal=Transcultural psychiatry \|volume=44 \|issue=1 \|pages=44–54 \|year=2007 }}</ref>
	* In Zimbabwean Shona culture the word ''Madzikirira'' is used to refer something strongly pressing one down. This mostly refers to the spiritual world in which some spirit—especially an evil one—tries to use its victim for some evil purpose. The people believe that witches can only be people of close relations to be effective, and hence a witches often try to use one's spirit to bewitch one's relatives.		* In Zimbabwean Shona culture the word ''Madzikirira'' is used to refer something strongly pressing one down. This mostly refers to the spiritual world in which some spirit—especially an evil one—tries to use its victim for some evil purpose. The people believe that witches can only be people of close relations to be effective, and hence a witches often try to use one's spirit to bewitch one's relatives.
	* In Ethiopian culture the word ''dukak'' (ዱካክ, "depression") is used, which is believed to be an evil spirit that possesses people during their sleep. Some people believe this experience is a symptom of withdrawal from the stimulant khat. The evil spirit ''dukak'' is an anthropomorphic personification of the depression that often results from the act of quitting chewing khat. 'Dukak' often appears in hallucinations of the quitters and metes out punishments to its victims for offending him by quitting. The punishments are often in the form of implausible physical punishments (e.g., the ''dukak'' puts the victim in a bottle and shakes the bottle vigorously) or outrageous tasks the victim must perform (e.g., swallow a bag of gravel).<ref name="gorfu06">{{cite journal \| last1 = Gorfu\| first1 = M. \| author-separator =, \| author-name-separator= \| year = 2006\| title = The Prevalence of Khat –Induced Psychotic Reactions among College Students: A Case in Jimma University College of Agriculture \| url = http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejesc/article/viewFile/41977 \| journal = Ethiopian Journal of Education and Science \| volume = 2 \| issue = 1\| pages = 63–84 ~~\| issn= 1998-8907~~ }}</ref>		* In Ethiopian culture the word ''dukak'' (ዱካክ, "depression") is used, which is believed to be an evil spirit that possesses people during their sleep. Some people believe this experience is a symptom of withdrawal from the stimulant khat. The evil spirit ''dukak'' is an anthropomorphic personification of the depression that often results from the act of quitting chewing khat. 'Dukak' often appears in hallucinations of the quitters and metes out punishments to its victims for offending him by quitting. The punishments are often in the form of implausible physical punishments (e.g., the ''dukak'' puts the victim in a bottle and shakes the bottle vigorously) or outrageous tasks the victim must perform (e.g., swallow a bag of gravel).<ref name="gorfu06">{{cite journal \| last1 = Gorfu\| first1 = M. \| author-separator =, \| author-name-separator= \| year = 2006\| title = The Prevalence of Khat –Induced Psychotic Reactions among College Students: A Case in Jimma University College of Agriculture \| url = http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejesc/article/viewFile/41977 \| journal = Ethiopian Journal of Education and Science \| volume = 2 \| issue = 1\| pages = 63–84 }}</ref>
	* In Swahili speaking areas of Southeast Africa, it is known as ''jinamizi'', which refers to a creature sitting on one's chest making it difficult for him/her to breathe. It is attributed to result from a person sleeping on his back. Most people also recall being strangled by this 'creature'.		* In Swahili speaking areas of Southeast Africa, it is known as ''jinamizi'', which refers to a creature sitting on one's chest making it difficult for him/her to breathe. It is attributed to result from a person sleeping on his back. Most people also recall being strangled by this 'creature'.
	* In the Moroccan culture, Sleep Paralysis is known as ''Bou Rattat,'' which means a demon that presses and covers the sleeper's body so they cannot move or speak.		* In the Moroccan culture, Sleep Paralysis is known as ''Bou Rattat,'' which means a demon that presses and covers the sleeper's body so they cannot move or speak.

TeraS at 19:53, 28 October 2014

2014-10-28T19:53:13Z

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	===Americas===		===Americas===
	* During the Salem witch trials several people reported nighttime attacks by various alleged witches, including [[Bridget Bishop]], that may have been caused by sleep paralysis.<ref>[http://www.justiceatsalem.com/Cooke%20justice%20text%20100109.pdf Justice at Salem] ''William H. Cooke''</ref>		* During the Salem witch trials several people reported nighttime attacks by various alleged witches, including Bridget Bishop, that may have been caused by sleep paralysis.<ref>[http://www.justiceatsalem.com/Cooke%20justice%20text%20100109.pdf Justice at Salem] ''William H. Cooke''</ref>
	* In Mexico, it is believed that this is caused by the spirit of a dead person. This ghost lies down upon the body of the sleeper, rendering him unable to move. People refer to this as "subirse el muerto" (dead person on you).<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/575017.html \|title = ¿Has sentido que se te sube el muerto? \| publisher = El Universal \| date= February 6, 2009}}</ref>		* In Mexico, it is believed that this is caused by the spirit of a dead person. This ghost lies down upon the body of the sleeper, rendering him unable to move. People refer to this as "subirse el muerto" (dead person on you).<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/575017.html \|title = ¿Has sentido que se te sube el muerto? \| publisher = El Universal \| date= February 6, 2009}}</ref>
	* In many parts of the Southern United States, the phenomenon is known as a ''hag'', and the event is said to portend an approaching tragedy or accident.		* In many parts of the Southern United States, the phenomenon is known as a ''hag'', and the event is said to portend an approaching tragedy or accident.
	* In Newfoundland, it is known as the 'Old Hag'.<ref name="OldHag">{{Cite book\|author=Firestone, M.\|title=The "Old Hag": sleep paralysis in Newfoundland\|work=The Journal of Psychoanalytic Anthropology\|year=1985\|chapter=Section 8\|pages=47–66}}</ref> In island folklore, the Hag can be summoned to attack a third party, like a [[curse]]. In his 1982 book, ''The Terror that Comes in the Night'', David J. Hufford writes that in local culture the way to call the Hag is to recite the Lord's Prayer backwards.		* In Newfoundland, it is known as the 'Old Hag'.<ref name="OldHag">{{Cite book\|author=Firestone, M.\|title=The "Old Hag": sleep paralysis in Newfoundland\|work=The Journal of Psychoanalytic Anthropology\|year=1985\|chapter=Section 8\|pages=47–66}}</ref> In island folklore, the Hag can be summoned to attack a third party, like a curse. In his 1982 book, ''The Terror that Comes in the Night'', David J. Hufford writes that in local culture the way to call the Hag is to recite the Lord's Prayer backwards.
	* In contemporary western culture the phenomenon of supernatural assault are thought to be the work of what are known as shadow people. Victims report primarily three different entities, a man with a hat, the old hag noted above, and a hooded figure.<ref>Adler, Shelley R. (2011). Sleep Paralysis: Night-mares, Nocebos, and the Mind-Body Connection. New Brunswick, New Jersey, and London: Rutgers University Press. ISBN 978-0-8135-4886-9</ref> Sleep paralysis is known to involve a component of hallucination in 20% of the cases, which may explain these sightings. Sleep paralysis in combination with hallucinations has long been suggested as a possible explanation for reported alien abduction.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.skepdic.com/sleepparalysis.html \|title= Sleep Paralysis\|publisher = The Skeptics Dictionary}}</ref>		* In contemporary western culture the phenomenon of supernatural assault are thought to be the work of what are known as shadow people. Victims report primarily three different entities, a man with a hat, the old hag noted above, and a hooded figure.<ref>Adler, Shelley R. (2011). Sleep Paralysis: Night-mares, Nocebos, and the Mind-Body Connection. New Brunswick, New Jersey, and London: Rutgers University Press. ISBN 978-0-8135-4886-9</ref> Sleep paralysis is known to involve a component of hallucination in 20% of the cases, which may explain these sightings. Sleep paralysis in combination with hallucinations has long been suggested as a possible explanation for reported alien abduction.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.skepdic.com/sleepparalysis.html \|title= Sleep Paralysis\|publisher = The Skeptics Dictionary}}</ref>
	* Several studies show that African-Americans may be predisposed to isolated sleep paralysis—known in folklore as "the witch is riding you" <ref name="Mattek, 2005 Memoirs p. 34"/><ref name="Katherine Roberts"/> or "the haint is riding you."<ref name="pmid6737506"/> Other studies show that African-Americans who experience frequent episodes of isolated sleep paralysis, i.e., reporting having one or more sleep paralysis episodes per month coined as "sleep paralysis disorder," were predisposed to panic attacks.<ref name="pmid3746934">{{cite journal \|author=Bell CC, Dixie-Bell DD, Thompson B \|title=Further studies on the prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis in black subjects \|journal=Journal of the National Medical Association \|volume=78 \|issue=7 \|pages=649–659 \|year=1986\|pmid=3746934 \|pmc=2571385}}</ref> This finding has been replicated by other independent researchers.<ref name="pmid15881272">{{cite journal \|author=Paradis CM, Friedman S \|title=Sleep Paralysis in African Americans with Panic Disorder \|journal=Transcultural psychiatry \|volume=43 \|issue=4 \|pages=692–694 \|year=2006 }}</ref><ref name="pmid7982696">{{cite journal \|author=Friedman S, Paradis CM, Hatch M \|title=Characteristics of African-Americans and white patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia \|journal=Hospital and Community Psychiatry \|volume=45 \|issue=8 \|pages=798–803 \|year=1994 }}</ref>		* Several studies show that African-Americans may be predisposed to isolated sleep paralysis—known in folklore as "the witch is riding you" <ref name="Mattek, 2005 Memoirs p. 34"/><ref name="Katherine Roberts"/> or "the haint is riding you."<ref name="pmid6737506"/> Other studies show that African-Americans who experience frequent episodes of isolated sleep paralysis, i.e., reporting having one or more sleep paralysis episodes per month coined as "sleep paralysis disorder," were predisposed to panic attacks.<ref name="pmid3746934">{{cite journal \|author=Bell CC, Dixie-Bell DD, Thompson B \|title=Further studies on the prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis in black subjects \|journal=Journal of the National Medical Association \|volume=78 \|issue=7 \|pages=649–659 \|year=1986\|pmid=3746934 \|pmc=2571385}}</ref> This finding has been replicated by other independent researchers.<ref name="pmid15881272">{{cite journal \|author=Paradis CM, Friedman S \|title=Sleep Paralysis in African Americans with Panic Disorder \|journal=Transcultural psychiatry \|volume=43 \|issue=4 \|pages=692–694 \|year=2006 }}</ref><ref name="pmid7982696">{{cite journal \|author=Friedman S, Paradis CM, Hatch M \|title=Characteristics of African-Americans and white patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia \|journal=Hospital and Community Psychiatry \|volume=45 \|issue=8 \|pages=798–803 \|year=1994 }}</ref>

TeraS at 19:49, 28 October 2014

2014-10-28T19:49:27Z

Show changes

TeraS: /* Africa */

2010-10-29T18:47:52Z

Africa

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	*Ogun Oru is a traditional explanation for nocturnal disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria; ogun oru (nocturnal warfare) involves an acute night-time disturbance that is culturally attributed to demonic infiltration of the body and psyche during dreaming. Ogun oru is characterized by its occurrence, a female preponderance, the perception of an underlying feud between the sufferer's earthly spouse and a 'spiritual' spouse, and the event of bewitchment through eating while dreaming. The condition is believed to be treatable through Christian prayers or elaborate traditional rituals designed to exorcise the imbibed demonic elements.<ref name="pmid17379609"> Aina OF, Famuyiwa OO (2007). "Ogun Oru: a traditional explanation for nocturnal neuropsychiatric disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria". Transcultural psychiatry 44 (1): 44–54. doi:10.1177/1363461507074968. PMID 17379609.</ref>		*Ogun Oru is a traditional explanation for nocturnal disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria; ogun oru (nocturnal warfare) involves an acute night-time disturbance that is culturally attributed to demonic infiltration of the body and psyche during dreaming. Ogun oru is characterized by its occurrence, a female preponderance, the perception of an underlying feud between the sufferer's earthly spouse and a 'spiritual' spouse, and the event of bewitchment through eating while dreaming. The condition is believed to be treatable through Christian prayers or elaborate traditional rituals designed to exorcise the imbibed demonic elements.<ref name="pmid17379609"> Aina OF, Famuyiwa OO (2007). "Ogun Oru: a traditional explanation for nocturnal neuropsychiatric disturbances among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria". Transcultural psychiatry 44 (1): 44–54. doi:10.1177/1363461507074968. PMID 17379609.</ref>
	* In Zimbabwean Shona culture the word Madzikirira is used to refer something really pressing one down. This mostly refers to the spiritual world in which some spirit—especially an evil one—tries to use its victim for some evil purpose. The people believe that witches can only be people of close relations to be effective, and hence a witches often try to use one's spirit to bewitch one's relatives.		* In Zimbabwean Shona culture the word Madzikirira is used to refer something really pressing one down. This mostly refers to the spiritual world in which some spirit—especially an evil one—tries to use its victim for some evil purpose. The people believe that witches can only be people of close relations to be effective, and hence a witches often try to use one's spirit to bewitch one's relatives.
	* In Ethiopian culture the word 'dukak' is used, which is believed to be an evil spirit that possesses people during their sleep. Some people believe this experience is linked to use of [[Khat]] ('Chat'). Khat users experience sleep paralysis when suddenly quitting chewing Khat after use for a long time.		* In Ethiopian culture the word 'dukak' is used, which is believed to be an evil spirit that possesses people during their sleep. Some people believe this experience is linked to use of Khat ('Chat'). Khat users experience sleep paralysis when suddenly quitting chewing Khat after use for a long time.
	* In Swahili speaking East Africa, it is known as 'jinamizi', which refers to a creature sitting on one's chest making it difficult for him/her to breath. It is attributed to result from a person sleeping on his back. Most people also recall being strangled by this 'creature'. People generally survive these 'attacks'		* In Swahili speaking East Africa, it is known as 'jinamizi', which refers to a creature sitting on one's chest making it difficult for him/her to breath. It is attributed to result from a person sleeping on his back. Most people also recall being strangled by this 'creature'. People generally survive these 'attacks'

TeraS: /* Symptoms and characteristics */

2010-10-23T22:26:47Z

Symptoms and characteristics

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	Physiologically, sleep paralysis is closely related to REM atonia, the paralysis that occurs as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs either when falling asleep, or when awakening. When it occurs upon falling asleep, the person remains aware while the body shuts down for REM sleep, and it is called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. When it occurs upon awakening, the person becomes aware before the REM cycle is complete, and it is called hypnopompic or postdormital.<ref>[http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis]</ref> The paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes "by which the individual may experience panic symptoms".<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis. p. 380</ref> (described below) As the correlation with REM sleep suggests, the paralysis is not entirely complete; use of EOG traces shows that eye movement is still possible during such episodes.<ref>Hearne, K. (1990) The Dream Machine: Lucid dreams and how to control them, p18. ISBN 0-85030-906-9</ref> When there is an absence of narcolepsy, sleep paralysis is referred to as isolated sleep paralysis (ISP).<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref>		Physiologically, sleep paralysis is closely related to REM atonia, the paralysis that occurs as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs either when falling asleep, or when awakening. When it occurs upon falling asleep, the person remains aware while the body shuts down for REM sleep, and it is called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. When it occurs upon awakening, the person becomes aware before the REM cycle is complete, and it is called hypnopompic or postdormital.<ref>[http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis]</ref> The paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes "by which the individual may experience panic symptoms".<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis. p. 380</ref> (described below) As the correlation with REM sleep suggests, the paralysis is not entirely complete; use of EOG traces shows that eye movement is still possible during such episodes.<ref>Hearne, K. (1990) The Dream Machine: Lucid dreams and how to control them, p18. ISBN 0-85030-906-9</ref> When there is an absence of narcolepsy, sleep paralysis is referred to as isolated sleep paralysis (ISP).<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref>

	In addition, the paralysis may be accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (hypnopompic or hypnagogic) and an acute sense of danger.<ref>Hersen Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref> Sleep paralysis is particularly frightening to the individual because of the vividness of such hallucinations.<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007"/> The hallucinatory element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as a dream, since completely fanciful or dream-like objects may appear in the room alongside one's normal vision. Some scientists have proposed this condition as an explanation for alien abductions and ghostly encounters.<ref name="pmid15881271">~~{{cite journal \|author=~~McNally RJ, Clancy SA. ~~\|title=~~Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction ~~\|journal=~~Transcultural Psychiatry ~~\|volume=~~42 ~~\|issue=~~1 ~~\|pages=~~113–122 ~~\|year=2005\|pmid=15881271 \|~~doi=10.1177/1363461505050715}}</ref> A study by [[Susan Blackmore]] and [[Marcus Cox]] (the Blackmore-Cox study) of the [[University of the West of England]] supports the suggestion that reports of alien abductions are related to sleep paralysis rather than to [[temporal lobe]] lability.<ref name="ejufoas">~~{{cite journal \| last =~~ Blackmore ~~\| first =~~ Susan ~~\| authorlink = Susan Blackmore \| coauthors =~~ Marcus Cox ~~\| title =~~ Alien Abductions, Sleep Paralysis and the Temporal Lobe ~~\| journal =~~ European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies ~~\| volume = \| issue =~~ 1 ~~\| pages =~~ 113–118 ~~\| publisher = \| location = \| date = \| url = http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:oDUW-O3VERkJ:www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Articles/ejufoas00~~.~~html+%22Alien+Abductions,+Sleep+Paralysis+and+the+Temporal+Lobe%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au&client=firefox-a \| doi = \| id = \| accessdate =~~ 2008-07-26}}</ref>		In addition, the paralysis may be accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (hypnopompic or hypnagogic) and an acute sense of danger.<ref>Hersen Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref> Sleep paralysis is particularly frightening to the individual because of the vividness of such hallucinations.<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007"/> The hallucinatory element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as a dream, since completely fanciful or dream-like objects may appear in the room alongside one's normal vision. Some scientists have proposed this condition as an explanation for alien abductions and ghostly encounters.<ref name="pmid15881271">McNally RJ, Clancy SA. (2005). "Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction". Transcultural Psychiatry 42 (1): 113–122. doi:10.1177/1363461505050715. PMID 15881271.</ref> A study by Susan Blackmore and Marcus Cox (the Blackmore-Cox study) of the University of the West of England supports the suggestion that reports of alien abductions are related to sleep paralysis rather than to temporal lobe lability.<ref name="ejufoas">Blackmore, Susan; Marcus Cox. "Alien Abductions, Sleep Paralysis and the Temporal Lobe". European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies (1): 113–118. Retrieved 2008-07-26.</ref>

	==Possible causes==		==Possible causes==

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2010-10-23T22:22:21Z

Possible causes

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	==Possible causes==		==Possible causes==

	Several studies have concluded that many or most people experience sleep paralysis at least once or twice in their lives.~~{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}~~		Several studies have concluded that many or most people experience sleep paralysis at least once or twice in their lives.

	A study conducted by Sedaghat F. et al. has investigated the prevalence of sleep paralysis among Iranian medical students. 24.1% of students reported experiencing sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime. The same result was reported among Japanese, Nigerian, Kuwaiti, Sudanese and American students.<ref>Sedaghat-Hamedani F., Kayvanpour E., Rezai A.:" Prevalence of sleep paralysis and other symptoms of narcolepsy in Iranian medical students "</ref>		A study conducted by Sedaghat F. et al. has investigated the prevalence of sleep paralysis among Iranian medical students. 24.1% of students reported experiencing sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime. The same result was reported among Japanese, Nigerian, Kuwaiti, Sudanese and American students.<ref>Sedaghat-Hamedani F., Kayvanpour E., Rezai A.:" Prevalence of sleep paralysis and other symptoms of narcolepsy in Iranian medical students "</ref>

	Many people who commonly enter sleep paralysis also suffer from [[narcolepsy]]. In African Americans, [[panic disorder]] occurs with sleep paralysis more frequently than in Caucasian Americans.<ref>		Many people who commonly enter sleep paralysis also suffer from narcolepsy. In African Americans, panic disorder occurs with sleep paralysis more frequently than in Caucasian Americans.<ref>
	Friedman, S. & Paradis, C. (2002). Panic disorder in African-Americans: symptomatology and isolated sleep paralysis. Cult Med Psychiatry. 2002 Jun;26(2):179-98 PMID 12211324</ref>		Friedman, S. & Paradis, C. (2002). Panic disorder in African-Americans: symptomatology and isolated sleep paralysis. Cult Med Psychiatry. 2002 Jun;26(2):179-98 PMID 12211324</ref>
	Some reports read that various factors increase the likelihood of both paralysis and hallucinations. These include:		Some reports read that various factors increase the likelihood of both paralysis and hallucinations. These include:
	* Sleeping in a face upwards or [[supine position]]		* Sleeping in a face upwards or supine position
	* Increased stress		* Increased stress
	* Sudden environmental/lifestyle changes		* Sudden environmental/lifestyle changes
	* A [[lucid dream]] that immediately precedes the episode.		* A lucid dream that immediately precedes the episode.
	* Excessive consumption of alcohol coupled with lack of adequate sleep.<ref>~~{{cite web\| author= J. A. Cheyne \| url=~~http://watarts.uwaterloo.ca/~acheyne/prevent.html ~~\| title= Preventing and Coping with Sleep Paralysis \| accessdate=17 July 2006}} (reference for all six factors that increase likelihood of paralysis/hallucinations)~~</ref>		* Excessive consumption of alcohol coupled with lack of adequate sleep.<ref>http://watarts.uwaterloo.ca/~acheyne/prevent.html</ref>

	==Treatment==		==Treatment==

TeraS: /* Treatment */

2010-10-23T22:21:03Z

Treatment

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	==Treatment==		==Treatment==
	Treatment starts with patient education about sleep stages and about the muscle atonia that is typically associated with REM sleep. It is recommended that patients be evaluated for [[narcolepsy]] if symptoms persist.<ref>Wills L, Garcia J. Parasomnias: Epidemiology and Management. CNS Drugs [serial online]. December 2002;16(12):803-810.</ref>		Treatment starts with patient education about sleep stages and about the muscle atonia that is typically associated with REM sleep. It is recommended that patients be evaluated for narcolepsy if symptoms persist.<ref>Wills L, Garcia J. Parasomnias: Epidemiology and Management. CNS Drugs serial online. December 2002;16(12):803-810.</ref>

	==Related phenomena==		==Related phenomena==

TeraS: /* Related phenomena */

2010-10-23T22:20:34Z

Related phenomena

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 23 October 2010
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	==Related phenomena==		==Related phenomena==
	Many perceptions associated with sleep paralysis (visceral buzzing, loud sounds, adrenal mental state, presences, and the paralysis itself) also constitute a common phase in the early progression of episodes referred to as [[out of body ~~experience]]s~~.<ref>http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Conferences/SPR99.html "OBEs and Sleep Paralysis", Susan Blackmore</ref><ref>"The Projection of the Astral Body", 1968, Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington: chapter II, "Sensation and emotion at different stages of exteriorization" subsection</ref> Mental focus varies between the two conditions; paralysis sufferers tend to fixate on reestablishing operation of the body, whereas subjects of out-of-body episodes are more occupied by perceived non-equivalence with the body.		Many perceptions associated with sleep paralysis (visceral buzzing, loud sounds, adrenal mental state, presences, and the paralysis itself) also constitute a common phase in the early progression of episodes referred to as out of body experiences.<ref>http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Conferences/SPR99.html "OBEs and Sleep Paralysis", Susan Blackmore</ref><ref>"The Projection of the Astral Body", 1968, Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington: chapter II, "Sensation and emotion at different stages of exteriorization" subsection</ref> Mental focus varies between the two conditions; paralysis sufferers tend to fixate on reestablishing operation of the body, whereas subjects of out-of-body episodes are more occupied by perceived non-equivalence with the body.

	==Folklore==		==Folklore==

TeraS: /* Folklore */

2010-10-23T22:19:50Z

Folklore

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	==Folklore==		==Folklore==
	The original definition of sleep paralysis was codified by [[Dr. Samuel Johnson]] in his ''[[A Dictionary of the English Language]]'' as "nightmare," a term that evolved into our modern definition. Such sleep paralysis was widely considered to be the work of [[demon]]s and more specifically [[incubus ~~(demon)~~\|incubi]], which were thought to sit on the chests of sleepers. In ~~[[Old English language\|~~Old English]] the name for these beings was ''mare'' or ''mære'' (from a ~~[[proto-Germanic language\|~~proto-Germanic]] ''*marōn'', cf. ~~[[Old Norse language\|~~Old Norse]] ''[[~~mara (folklore)\|~~mara]]''), hence comes the ''mare'' part in ''nightmare''. The word might be etymologically cognate to Hellenic ''Marōn'' (in the [[Odyssey]]) and [[Sanskrit]] ''[[Mara ~~(demon)~~\|Māra]]''.		The original definition of sleep paralysis was codified by Dr. Samuel Johnson in his ''A Dictionary of the English Language'' as "nightmare," a term that evolved into our modern definition. Such sleep paralysis was widely considered to be the work of [[demon]]s and more specifically [[incubus\|incubi]], which were thought to sit on the chests of sleepers. In Old English the name for these beings was ''mare'' or ''mære'' (from a proto-Germanic ''*marōn'', cf. Old Norse ''[[mara]]''), hence comes the ''mare'' part in ''nightmare''. The word might be etymologically cognate to Hellenic ''Marōn'' (in the Odyssey) and Sanskrit ''[[Mara\|Māra]]''.

	Folk belief in Newfoundland, South Carolina and Georgia describe the negative figure of the [[Hag]] who leaves her physical body at night, and sits on the chest of her victim. The victim usually wakes with a feeling of terror, has difficulty breathing because of a perceived heavy invisible weight on his or her chest, and is unable to move i.e., experiences sleep paralysis. This nightmare experience is described as being "hag-ridden" in the [[Gullah]] lore. The "Old Hag" was a nightmare spirit in British and also Anglophone North American folklore.		Folk belief in Newfoundland, South Carolina and Georgia describe the negative figure of the Hag who leaves her physical body at night, and sits on the chest of her victim. The victim usually wakes with a feeling of terror, has difficulty breathing because of a perceived heavy invisible weight on his or her chest, and is unable to move i.e., experiences sleep paralysis. This nightmare experience is described as being "hag-ridden" in the Gullah lore. The "Old Hag" was a nightmare spirit in British and also Anglophone North American folklore.

	In [[Fiji]] the experience is interpreted as "kana tevoro" being 'eaten' or possessed by a demon. In many cases the 'demon' can be the spirit of a recently dead relative who has come back for some unfinished business, or has come to communicate some important news to the living. Often persons sleeping near the afflicted person say "kania, kania" (eat! eat!) in an attempt to prolong the possession for a chance to converse with the dead relative or spirit and seek answers as to why he/she has come back. The person waking up from the experience is often asked to immediately curse or chase the spirit of the dead relative, which sometimes involves literally speaking to the spirit telling him/her to go away or using explitives.		In Fiji the experience is interpreted as "kana tevoro" being 'eaten' or possessed by a demon. In many cases the 'demon' can be the spirit of a recently dead relative who has come back for some unfinished business, or has come to communicate some important news to the living. Often persons sleeping near the afflicted person say "kania, kania" (eat! eat!) in an attempt to prolong the possession for a chance to converse with the dead relative or spirit and seek answers as to why he/she has come back. The person waking up from the experience is often asked to immediately curse or chase the spirit of the dead relative, which sometimes involves literally speaking to the spirit telling him/her to go away or using explitives.

	In Nigeria, "ISP appears to be far more common and recurrent among people of African descent than among whites or Nigerian Africans",<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380"/> and is often referred to within African communities as "the Devil on your back."<ref name="Mattek, 2005 Memoirs p. 34">Mattek, (2005) Memoirs p. 34</ref><ref name=>~~{{cite web\|url=~~http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/main_misc_cauchemar.html~~\|title=Contemporary Cauchemar: Experience, Belief, Prevention\|work=Folklife in Louisiana\|author=Katherine Roberts\|publisher=The Louisiana Folklife Program}}~~</ref><ref name="pmid6737506">~~{{cite journal \|author=~~Bell CC, Shakoor B, Thompson B, Dew D, Hughley E, Mays R, Shorter-Gooden K ~~\|title=~~Prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis in black subjects ~~\|journal=~~Journal of the National Medical Association ~~\|volume=~~76 ~~\|issue=~~5 ~~\|pages=~~501–508 ~~\|year=1984 \|pmid=~~6737506 ~~\|pmc=2561758}}~~</ref>		In Nigeria, "ISP appears to be far more common and recurrent among people of African descent than among whites or Nigerian Africans",<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380"/> and is often referred to within African communities as "the Devil on your back."<ref name="Mattek, 2005 Memoirs p. 34">Mattek, (2005) Memoirs p. 34</ref><ref name=>http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/main_misc_cauchemar.html</ref><ref name="pmid6737506">Bell CC, Shakoor B, Thompson B, Dew D, Hughley E, Mays R, Shorter-Gooden K (1984). "Prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis in black subjects". Journal of the National Medical Association 76 (5): 501–508. PMID 6737506.</ref>

	Various forms of [[magic ~~(paranormal)\|magic]]~~ and [[spiritual possession]] were also advanced as causes. In nineteenth century [[Europe]], the vagaries of diet were thought to be responsible. For example, in [[Charles Dickens]]'s ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'', [[Ebenezer Scrooge]] attributes the [[ghost]] he sees to "... an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato..." In a similar vein, the ''[[Household Cyclopedia]]'' (1881) offers the following advice about nightmares:		Various forms of magic and spiritual possession were also advanced as causes. In nineteenth century Europe, the vagaries of diet were thought to be responsible. For example, in Charles Dickens's ''A Christmas Carol'', Ebenezer Scrooge attributes the ghost he sees to "... an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato..." In a similar vein, the ''Household Cyclopedia'' (1881) offers the following advice about nightmares:

	:"Great attention is to be paid to regularity and choice of diet. Intemperance of every kind is hurtful, but nothing is more productive of this disease than drinking bad wine. Of eatables those which are most prejudicial are all fat and greasy meats and pastry... Moderate exercise contributes in a superior degree to promote the digestion of food and prevent flatulence; those, however, who are necessarily confined to a sedentary occupation, should particularly avoid applying themselves to study or bodily labor immediately after eating... Going to bed before the usual hour is a frequent cause of night-mare, as it either occasions the patient to sleep too long or to lie long awake in the night. Passing a whole night or part of a night without rest likewise gives birth to the disease, as it occasions the patient, on the succeeding night, to sleep too soundly. Indulging in sleep too late in the morning, is an almost certain method to bring on the paroxysm, and the more frequently it returns, the greater strength it acquires; the propensity to sleep at this time is almost irresistible."<ref>[http://www.mspong.org/cyclopedia/medicine.html#nightmare The Household Cyclopedia - Medicine~~<!-- Bot generated title -->~~]</ref>		:"Great attention is to be paid to regularity and choice of diet. Intemperance of every kind is hurtful, but nothing is more productive of this disease than drinking bad wine. Of eatables those which are most prejudicial are all fat and greasy meats and pastry... Moderate exercise contributes in a superior degree to promote the digestion of food and prevent flatulence; those, however, who are necessarily confined to a sedentary occupation, should particularly avoid applying themselves to study or bodily labor immediately after eating... Going to bed before the usual hour is a frequent cause of night-mare, as it either occasions the patient to sleep too long or to lie long awake in the night. Passing a whole night or part of a night without rest likewise gives birth to the disease, as it occasions the patient, on the succeeding night, to sleep too soundly. Indulging in sleep too late in the morning, is an almost certain method to bring on the paroxysm, and the more frequently it returns, the greater strength it acquires; the propensity to sleep at this time is almost irresistible."<ref>[http://www.mspong.org/cyclopedia/medicine.html#nightmare The Household Cyclopedia - Medicine]</ref>

	==Around the world==		==Around the world==

TeraS: /* Symptoms and characteristics */

2010-10-23T22:07:20Z

Symptoms and characteristics

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	==Symptoms and characteristics==		==Symptoms and characteristics==

	Physiologically, sleep paralysis is closely related to [[REM atonia]], the paralysis that occurs as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs either when falling asleep, or when awakening. When it occurs upon falling asleep, the person remains aware while the body shuts down for REM sleep, and it is called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. When it occurs upon awakening, the person becomes aware before the REM cycle is complete, and it is called hypnopompic or postdormital.<ref>[http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis]</ref> The paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes "by which the individual may experience panic symptoms".<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis. p. 380</ref> (described below) As the correlation with REM sleep suggests, the paralysis is not entirely complete; use of EOG traces shows that eye movement is still possible during such episodes.<ref>Hearne, K. (1990) The Dream Machine: Lucid dreams and how to control them, p18. ISBN 0-85030-906-9</ref> When there is an absence of narcolepsy, sleep paralysis is referred to as isolated sleep paralysis (ISP).<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref>		Physiologically, sleep paralysis is closely related to REM atonia, the paralysis that occurs as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs either when falling asleep, or when awakening. When it occurs upon falling asleep, the person remains aware while the body shuts down for REM sleep, and it is called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. When it occurs upon awakening, the person becomes aware before the REM cycle is complete, and it is called hypnopompic or postdormital.<ref>[http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis]</ref> The paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes "by which the individual may experience panic symptoms".<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007 p. 380">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis. p. 380</ref> (described below) As the correlation with REM sleep suggests, the paralysis is not entirely complete; use of EOG traces shows that eye movement is still possible during such episodes.<ref>Hearne, K. (1990) The Dream Machine: Lucid dreams and how to control them, p18. ISBN 0-85030-906-9</ref> When there is an absence of narcolepsy, sleep paralysis is referred to as isolated sleep paralysis (ISP).<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007">Hersen, Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref>

	In addition, the paralysis may be accompanied by terrifying [[hallucinations]] ([[hypnopompic]] or ~~[[Hypnagogia\|~~hypnagogic]]) and an acute sense of danger.<ref>Hersen Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref> Sleep paralysis is particularly frightening to the individual because of the vividness of such hallucinations.<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007"/> The hallucinatory element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as a dream, since completely fanciful or dream-like objects may appear in the room alongside one's normal vision. Some scientists have proposed this condition as an explanation for [[alien ~~abduction]]s~~ and ~~[[ghost]]ly~~ encounters.<ref name="pmid15881271">{{cite journal \|author=McNally RJ, Clancy SA. \|title=Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction \|journal=Transcultural Psychiatry \|volume=42 \|issue=1 \|pages=113–122 \|year=2005\|pmid=15881271 \|doi=10.1177/1363461505050715}}</ref> A study by [[Susan Blackmore]] and [[Marcus Cox]] (the Blackmore-Cox study) of the [[University of the West of England]] supports the suggestion that reports of alien abductions are related to sleep paralysis rather than to [[temporal lobe]] lability.<ref name="ejufoas">{{cite journal \| last = Blackmore \| first = Susan \| authorlink = Susan Blackmore \| coauthors = Marcus Cox \| title = Alien Abductions, Sleep Paralysis and the Temporal Lobe \| journal = European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies \| volume = \| issue = 1 \| pages = 113–118 \| publisher = \| location = \| date = \| url = http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:oDUW-O3VERkJ:www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Articles/ejufoas00.html+%22Alien+Abductions,+Sleep+Paralysis+and+the+Temporal+Lobe%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au&client=firefox-a \| doi = \| id = \| accessdate = 2008-07-26}}</ref>		In addition, the paralysis may be accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (hypnopompic or hypnagogic) and an acute sense of danger.<ref>Hersen Turner & Beidel. (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis</ref> Sleep paralysis is particularly frightening to the individual because of the vividness of such hallucinations.<ref name="Hersen, Turner 2007"/> The hallucinatory element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as a dream, since completely fanciful or dream-like objects may appear in the room alongside one's normal vision. Some scientists have proposed this condition as an explanation for alien abductions and ghostly encounters.<ref name="pmid15881271">{{cite journal \|author=McNally RJ, Clancy SA. \|title=Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction \|journal=Transcultural Psychiatry \|volume=42 \|issue=1 \|pages=113–122 \|year=2005\|pmid=15881271 \|doi=10.1177/1363461505050715}}</ref> A study by [[Susan Blackmore]] and [[Marcus Cox]] (the Blackmore-Cox study) of the [[University of the West of England]] supports the suggestion that reports of alien abductions are related to sleep paralysis rather than to [[temporal lobe]] lability.<ref name="ejufoas">{{cite journal \| last = Blackmore \| first = Susan \| authorlink = Susan Blackmore \| coauthors = Marcus Cox \| title = Alien Abductions, Sleep Paralysis and the Temporal Lobe \| journal = European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies \| volume = \| issue = 1 \| pages = 113–118 \| publisher = \| location = \| date = \| url = http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:oDUW-O3VERkJ:www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Articles/ejufoas00.html+%22Alien+Abductions,+Sleep+Paralysis+and+the+Temporal+Lobe%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au&client=firefox-a \| doi = \| id = \| accessdate = 2008-07-26}}</ref>

	==Possible causes==		==Possible causes==