Journal of Sleep Research
June 1, 2021
Monika Kliková, Brian A Sharpless, Jitka Bušková
17 citations
About 23% of people with recurrent sleep paralysis report pleasant episodes, though these often include some fear. Pleasant episodes are more likely to involve illusory body movements (vestibular-motor sensations), and some individuals can intentionally induce these hallucinations. The ability to lucid dream and higher openness to new experiences are associated with pleasant episodes. Lower trauma symptoms or higher life satisfaction did not predict pleasant sleep paralysis.
Journal of Sleep Research
August 1, 2023
Betul Rauf, Rotem Perach, Juan J Madrid-Valero et al.
8 citations
Poor sleep quality significantly correlates with stronger beliefs in paranormal phenomena. In a survey of 8,853 participants, those experiencing insomnia, longer sleep latency, and shorter sleep duration were more likely to believe in concepts like ghosts (62%), the soul living on after death (58%), and alien encounters (45%). Additionally, episodes of exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis were linked to beliefs in aliens visiting Earth. These findings highlight the complex relationship between sleep disturbances and anomalistic experiences, suggesting avenues for enhanced psychoeducation on sleep health.
British journal of psychology (London, England : 1953)
November 1, 2023
Betul Rauf, Rotem Perach, Juan J Madrid-Valero et al.
5 citations
Sleep disturbances such as sleep paralysis, lucid dreams, nightmares, and hypnagogic hallucinations are positively associated with reports of paranormal experiences and beliefs, including those involving ghosts, spirits, and near-death experiences. A scoping review of 44 cross-sectional studies found consistent links between these sleep variables and ostensibly paranormal phenomena. The findings suggest that nighttime experiences many people interpret as supernatural may stem from common sleep disruptions. This has clinical implications, such as reducing misdiagnosis and guiding treatment for sleep-related experiences.
Sleep Medicine
April 1, 2023
Betul Rauf, Brian A Sharpless, Dan Denis et al.
Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) is a benign but frightening condition involving temporary inability to move at sleep onset or upon awakening. In an online survey of 6,811 participants (mean age 46.9, 66.1% female), those who had experienced at least one lifetime ISP episode reported longer sleep onset latencies, shorter sleep duration, and greater insomnia symptoms than those without ISP. Females and younger participants were more likely to experience ISP. Significant fear during episodes was reported by 76.0% of participants. Most (63.3%) attributed ISP to 'something in the brain,' while 7.1% endorsed supernatural causes. Five prevention strategies (e.g., changing sleep position, adjusting sleep patterns) showed at least 60.0% effectiveness, and five disruption strategies (e.g., physical/bodily action, making noise) ranged from 29.5% to 61.8% effectiveness.
Unusual and Rare Psychological Disorders
November 1, 2016
Brian A Sharpless, Dan Denis
Isolated sleep paralysis is a common phenomenon where aspects of REM sleep, such as muscle atonia and dream activity, occur while awake, often causing terror. It has influenced supernatural and folkloric beliefs. Rates are higher among students and psychiatric patients, and a minority experience clinically significant distress or interference. Although assessment and treatment options exist, large-scale efficacy trials have not yet been conducted.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
December 1, 2010
Brian A Sharpless, Kevin S. McCarthy, Dianne L. Chambless et al.
Among 133 patients seeking treatment for panic disorder, 29.3% had experienced isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) at some point in their lives, 20.3% met criteria for fearful ISP (FISP), and 12.8% had recurrent FISP. Both ISP and FISP were more common among minority patients and those with comorbid conditions. Only FISP was linked to posttraumatic stress disorder, higher body mass, anxiety sensitivity, and greater mood and anxiety disorder symptoms. A new semistructured interview, the Fearful Isolated Sleep Paralysis Interview, was developed to assess these episodes reliably.