The Psychological Foundations of Night Terrors and their Relationship with Sleep Disorders

Sleep paralysis is a distinct psychopathological condition occurring during the hypnagogic and REM stages of sleep, when the unconscious is actively engaged. The experience can create intense feelings of fear, panic, and helplessness, and may leave lasting effects on individuals. Stress both before and during sleep is involved in the formation of such experiences. The complex, multi-layered nature of sleep is shaped by the interaction of psychological and neurophysiological events, and healthy sleep depends on many factors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The complex and multi-layered nature of the human sleep process constitutes an important component not only for individuals but also for societal health dynamics. Sleep is a multifaceted process shaped by the interaction of numerous different psychological and neurophysiological events. This complex structure serves to help us understand the various phenomena that occur during sleep. Sleep constitutes one of the cornerstones of mental well-being, in addition to being a process of physical and mental rest. While this process continues, an individual's ability to sleep healthily depends on many factors. The experience of sleep paralysis, an important phenomenon, particularly when considered, presents itself as a distinct psychopathological condition that occurs during the hypnagogic and REM stages of sleep, when the unconscious is actively engaged. Extensive research on the emergence of night terrors shows that states of consciousness experienced during sleep, i.e. states of open or closed consciousness, bodily perceptions, and fears in people's inner worlds are effective in this phenomenon. This event, which occurs during this unusual and extremely sensitive phase of sleep, can create intense feelings of fear, panic and helplessness in the individual. In addition, it has been observed that the various psychological processes that shape and profoundly influence this experience also have a significant impact on people's thoughts and emotional states. The experience of sleep paralysis can become a condition that leaves lasting effects on people. The formation of such experiences involves stress both before and during sleep