Paralyzed by the Unknown: Lived Experiences of Sleep Paralysis, the Role of Anxiety, and its Supernatural Interpretation
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 15, 2026 Arora Pearl
Sleep paralysis is more than a neurophysiological event; it is deeply shaped by culture, fear, and personal meaning-making. Interviews with 15 young adults aged 18–25 revealed six core themes: the embodied experience of paralysis, a perceived threatening presence, acute emotional distress, supernatural interpretations, cognitive meaning reconstruction, and psychological integration. Supernatural explanations were most common and strongly linked to fear and anxiety. However, psychoeducation and cognitive reframing helped participants reinterpret their experiences, reduce distress, and develop adaptive coping strategies.