Monsters at Night: A Cultural Tour of Sleep Paralysis
Rundy Colmenar
Co-Presenters: Angel Ihie, Michelle Montoya
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Kristie Reilly
Abstract:
Sleep paralysis (SP), characterized by a temporary inhibition of voluntary movement during the transition of falling asleep, or upon waking while leaving the rapid eye movement (REM) stage, has been both a written and spoken phenomenon since the ancient times of Mesopotamia. During SP, one can experience dreams while entering wakefulness, including hypnopompic hallucinations that are frequently described as vividly visual, auditory, tactile, and kinetic perceptions that may include heavy chest pressure, vertigo, and tingling sensations that induce fear until full wakefulness arrives. Throughout history, reports of such hallucinations frequently include a supernatural being lying on one’s chest, often attempting to asphyxiate the sleeper. While the biological experiences are commonly described across the globe, the accompanying visual experiences or hallucinations of this being are unique and culturally specific, including a variety of witches, demons, ghosts, and aliens such as the Pisadeira in Brazil, the Japanese Kanasibari, and the Old Hag in Canada. This study explores the cultural interpretations and folklore associated with SP across different regions of the world to provide further insight into how cultural contexts and beliefs influence the perception and shape such experiences.