Voices in the night: Sleep paralysis & The intersection of brain, trauma, traditions
Journal of Pain Research and Management July 17, 2025 Zarif Bin Akhtar 4 citations
Sleep paralysis arises from a disruption in the REM sleep cycle where muscle atonia persists into wakefulness, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations. The phenomenon is strongly linked to mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with emotional trauma influencing REM regulation. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in circadian rhythm genes (PER, CLOCK, ARNTL2), calcium channel genes (CACNA1C), and the anti-aging gene SIRT1, may increase susceptibility by affecting sleep-wake cycles and stress responses. Cultural interpretations shape how people experience and cope with sleep paralysis, ranging from demonic visitations to ancestral contact. The authors advocate for a culturally sensitive biopsychosocial treatment model integrating trauma-informed therapy, genetic profiling, and community education.