Almost half of all people will experience the terrifying feeling of awakening from sleep unable to move. Sleep paralysis has its roots deep in history and separating fact from lore is not always easy. this this episode we will:

• explore the history and mythology surrounding sleep paralysis, the night hag, incubus/succubus, and the origin of the term nightmare
• contrast different cultural interpretations of sleep paralysis as well as the various treatments believed to ward off the condition
• explore the incidence of the disorder both as an isolated phenomenon as well as a chronic state
• describe the various ways in which it manifests in individuals
• list the risk factors and predisposing conditions for sleep paralysis
• detail the neural pathways and highlight the neuroanatomy of the process and how it links to causes and risk factors
• discuss treatment options and for whom they may be appropriate

Produced by: Maeve Winter

More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!