10 Strange Facts About Sleep and Dreams From Around the Globe

6. Sleep Paralysis: A Global Phenomenon

Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries, affecting people worldwide. It occurs when a person becomes conscious during the transition between sleep and wakefulness but is unable to move or speak. This experience can be accompanied by vivid hallucinations and a sense of pressure on the chest, often leading to intense fear. Despite its prevalence, sleep paralysis is not well understood and is often attributed to supernatural forces in various cultures.

In Western societies, sleep paralysis is commonly associated with scientific explanations involving disruptions in REM sleep. However, in other cultures, it is often linked to folklore and mythology. For instance, in Japan, it is known as kanashibari, believed to be caused by vengeful spirits. Similarly, in parts of Africa, it is attributed to witchcraft or demonic possession. These cultural interpretations highlight the interplay between biological phenomena and cultural beliefs, illustrating how societies make sense of experiences that defy conventional understanding. Understanding sleep paralysis from a cross-cultural perspective offers insights into the ways in which sleep-related phenomena are interpreted and managed, reflecting the diverse ways in which cultures navigate the boundary between the natural and the supernatural.