Voices in the night: Sleep paralysis & The intersection of brain, trauma, traditions

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Sleep Paralysis (SP) is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon situated at the intersection of neurobiology, psychiatry, genetics, and cultural belief systems. This study offers a comprehensive investigation into SP, integrating findings from neurophysiological, psychological, and sociocultural domains. Neurobiological evidence highlights disruptions during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle—specifically the persistence of REM atonia into wakefulness—as a core mechanism underlying SP, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations and sensory distortions. Psychiatric analyses reveal a strong association between SP and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, underscoring the influence of emotional trauma on REM regulation. Genetic studies indicate that polymorphisms in circadian rhythm-related genes (e.g., PER, CLOCK, ARNTL2), calcium channel genes (e.g., CACNA1C), and recently, the anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), may contribute to SP susceptibility through their regulation of sleep-wake cycles and stress responses. Cultural frameworks further shape SP experiences, with interpretations ranging from demonic visitations to ancestral contact, influencing both coping strategies and emotional outcomes. In response to these findings, this paper advocates for a culturally sensitive, biopsychosocial model for SP treatment—one that integrates trauma-informed therapy, genetic profiling, and community-based education. It concludes that SP is not merely a sleep disturbance but a deeply subjective and neurogenetically influenced experience, requiring interdisciplinary approaches for effective understanding and intervention. Future directions include exploring pharmacogenomics, real-time neuroimaging during SP episodes, and culturally informed VR therapies to bridge clinical practice with individual lived experience.