Sleep paralysis, popularly known as “nightmare”, is an experience that frightens and terrifies people. Although scientific explanations for nightmares have been made today, we see that people from all cultures have had this experience for thousands of years. Therefore, people have found their own ways to explain this phenomenon. Among these ways, supernatural beings such as demons, fairies, witches and devils appear to play a central role in nightmare stories.
The tendency to believe that these supernatural beings have influence over people can make the experience even more frightening. However, thanks to modern medicine, the physiological causes of nightmares are better understood. Therefore, for people going through this experience, providing relief and explanation can ease their fears.
What is a nightmare?
Sleep paralysis, popularly known as “nightmare”, is a treatable condition that can turn many people’s nights into nightmares. A nightmare describes the feeling of being conscious but unable to move. This condition occurs during a person’s transitions between wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, you may not be able to move or speak for a few seconds to several minutes. Some people may also experience a feeling of pressure or suffocation.
Nightmares are an experience that many people have, and there is no specific routine or mood associated with experiencing this phenomenon. People may wake up in the middle of the night and find themselves in a situation where they cannot move or make a sound. This experience can also occur after a person’s joyful day or at the end of a sad day.
Although the nightmare can occur in different ways, it usually manifests itself as a weight falling on the person while his body remains motionless. You may feel cold or hot during this condition, and it may even make it difficult for you to breathe. Even if a person experiencing a nightmare wants to scream, no sound comes out of his mouth. In this case, a few minutes may feel like hours.
What Does Science Say About Nightmares?
Sleep paralysis, or “nightmare” as it is commonly known, is a phenomenon that occurs at certain moments of sleep. It usually occurs just before sleep (known as hypnopompic paralysis) or rarely while falling asleep. This condition is closely related to REM atonia, a normal paralysis that occurs during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Some scientists and experts believe it is a natural part of the sleep cycle.
Sleep paralysis describes an experience in which a person is mentally alert while their body is still motionless, as if they were sleep deprived. This condition is sometimes accompanied by hypnopompic hallucinations. People who experience sleep paralysis often perceive the experience as a result of the dream, and therefore there are many times when they are unable to move during their dreams.
During sleep paralysis, a feeling of intense pressure often occurs in the chest area. This can lead to difficulty breathing, panic, and a feeling of hopelessness. Due to paralysis, only a single breathing muscle called the diaphragm works, which often creates a feeling of inadequate breathing because the chest muscles do not move. As a result, sleep paralysis can be a harrowing experience for many people, but it is usually harmless. Sleep experts explain this as a normal part of the sleep cycle.
Adrian Williams, professor of sleep and a medical team member at the London Sleep Centre, describes sleep paralysis as “a normal phenomenon that is not dangerous, but distressing”.
As you transition between different stages of sleep, the body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. During the REM phase, the brain is extremely active and complex dreams occur. Williams states that “paralysis occurs to prevent loss of control of body movements during sleep” and adds: “Sometimes the body becomes complicated, the body remains paralyzed even though the brain is awake.”
Paralysis is often accompanied by a feeling of intense pressure in the chest area. This can naturally create difficulty breathing, panic and a feeling of hopelessness. Williams says, “Due to paralysis, only a single breathing muscle called the diaphragm works,” and says, “There is usually a feeling of inadequate breathing because the chest muscles do not work.”
How to Treat Nightmares?
Sleep paralysis, also known as nightmare, is a treatable problem. A person experiencing sleep paralysis can be relieved with appropriate treatment and intervention. The following factors are taken into account during the treatment process:
Medical examination: A person experiencing sleep paralysis should consult a doctor. In addition, concomitant factors such as family history, other sleep disorders, or breathing problems during sleep should be evaluated.
Sleep Lab Review: Doctors determine brain waves and the type of sleep disorder by monitoring a person’s sleep EEG. This examination helps them better understand the cause of the sleep problem.
Medication: If a single sleep disorder is detected, medications that help regulate sleep may be used. These drugs facilitate the transition to sleep, do not disrupt the REM – Non-REM cycle, and improve the quality of deep sleep.
Psychiatric Evaluation: Sleep problems may be associated with psychiatric disorders. Therefore, a psychiatric examination can help determine the presence of underlying depression or other psychological problems. Psychiatric treatment and sleep-inducing medications can alleviate or eliminate sleep paralysis.
Individual Treatment: Everyone’s sleep problems are different, and the treatment approach should be individualized. Therapy can be helpful to address life conflicts, but there are situations where therapy alone is not enough to treat sleep problems.
As a result, treatment for nightmares may vary depending on the person’s specific situation and the causes of sleep problems. Therefore, an appropriate treatment plan should be created under the guidance and supervision of a specialist. Any treatment, including the use of medications, should be carried out under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
