Sleep paralysis is one of the phase states, and people can enter lucid dreams from it. However, it is often presented as a malfunction in the brain and a reflection of deep psychological problems and traumas. This view was presented in a dissertation by American researcher Victoria Sloane Hofer. She recommends considering this phenomenon through the prism of neurobiology, cultural studies, and psychology.
The author mentions that sleep paralysis is sometimes treated with antidepressants that suppress the REM sleep phase. However, this treatment method does not work if the episodes are related to past traumas, including unconscious ones. The terrifying hallucinations that a person sees may provide clues about internal conflicts and unresolved problems.
Instead of taking pills, the researcher advises creating a safe environment for working through one’s feelings and painful memories. It is better to immerse oneself in fear than to avoid it. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider a person’s religion and culture, as these factors influence a person’s visions. The author calls on scientists from different fields to collaborate, noting the need for a comprehensive solution.
If you have experienced sleep paralysis, what do you think caused it?
The dissertation was presented in March 2025 and is available on ProQuest.
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