Each country has its own legends about the “demons” of sleep paralysis (SP). Researchers from Saudi Arabia (Aledili, Albahrani, Alalawi, Aleliwi, Bomouzah, Alghasham, Alhajri, and Alabdali) conducted a survey among 524 residents of the country, 97.5% of whom knew about SP—that’s how familiar the phenomenon is in Saudi Arabia.
Sleep paralysis occurs when falling asleep or waking up. It is one of the phase states, which also includes lucid dreams, out-of-body experiences, etc. While one’s consciousness is awake, their muscles are paralyzed (everything except breathing and eyes). Blood pressure rises as the respiratory rate and pulse rate increase.
The statistics obtained by the researchers showed that women are more likely to suffer from SP. Another deciding factor is age. The prevalence of SP increases among people aged 36–55, compared with younger people (although students, on the contrary, have increased risks). The authors attribute this to mental and physical exertion. Patients with psychological disorders are also more susceptible to SP.
According to the authors’ statistics, other factors affecting sleep paralysis are the following:
— lack of sleep
— shift work
— change of time zones
— sleeping lying on your back
— certain medical conditions (for example, hypertension)
The perception of sleep paralysis as a supernatural force is also a risk factor. For example, in Saudi Arabia it is considered an “alien power”, a “jinn”, and people attempt to prevent its appearance through religious rituals. More than a quarter of the participants were also sure that watching horror films contributes to SP—which is quite possible, given the correlation of sleep paralysis with anxiety disorders.
Interestingly, three-quarters of those suffering from SP noted that their family members are familiar with this state. However, it is not yet known whether genetics or the environment are to blame.
Have you noticed the connection of sleep paralysis (if you have had such an experience) with the listed factors?
The article was published in December 2021 in the Saudi Medical Journal.
