Phenomenology and Interpretations of Sleep Paralysis with an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample: Cultural Nuances and Clinical Implications
Francesca Sullivan, Nicole Lindsay
Kōtuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online March 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/kot2.70025 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn Aotearoa New Zealand, 12 people who experience isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) described frightening multisensory perceptions during episodes of temporary immobility between wakefulness and sleep. Participants interpreted ISP through either spiritual or biomedical lenses, and these frameworks shaped how they understood, explained, and coped with the experience. Many were reluctant to disclose ISP for fear of being labeled mentally ill, while others felt judged for their spiritual beliefs. The phenomenological features of ISP in this sample matched global findings. A larger quantitative study is needed to test generalizability to the wider New Zealand population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand who experience isolated sleep paralysis |
| Keywords | Aotearoa Interpretative phenomenological analysis Phenomenology philosophy Sleep paralysis Thematic analysis |
| Key finding | Participants interpreted ISP through spiritual or biomedical models, and reluctance to disclose the experience arose from fear of being labeled mentally ill or judged for spiritual worldviews. |
Abstract
Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) is a temporary state of immobility that occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Although described as hallucinations within biomedical discourse, frightening multisensory perceptions can often accompany muscle atonia, giving rise to numerous cultural, spiritual, and supernatural explanatory models. Presently, no studies have investigated the experience within Aotearoa New Zealand. In this qualitative phenomenological study, 12 individuals were recruited using stratified purposive sampling and interviewed regarding their experience(s) of ISP. Utilizing inductive thematic analysis, key themes were organized into three main categories: Phenomenological Characteristics, Interpretations, and Coping Strategies. While phenomenological features were congruent with existing global findings, two major interpretive models were identified: spiritual and biomedical, which influenced how ISP was understood, explained, and responded to by participants. Participants conveyed a reluctance to disclose ISP for fears of being labeled mentally ill, while others felt judgment toward their spiritual worldviews. To ascertain generalizability to the wider Aotearoa New Zealand population, a larger quantitative follow‐up study is recommended.