Sleep Paralysis

Over the centuries, a phenomenon known as sleep paralysis has affected millions of people around the world. Sleep paralysis by definition is a phenomenon in which a person upon awakening becomes unable to move and may also be associated with horrifying visions such as that of demons or monsters. This usually causes the person to panic due to the inability to react hence being paralyzed. Throughout history and to this date, scientists differ with religious scholars on the explanation of sleep paralysis. Through this essay, I will try to demonstrate the concept from both the paranormal and medical points of view.

In most Islamic and Arabic speaking cultures, sleep paralysis is referred to as ‘Jathoom’. Jathoom is believed to be a type of Jinn which in Islamic and Arabic mythology is a supernatural infernal creature that lives in the unseen world. The Jathoom sits on the chests of its victims, choking them. Mothers used the frightening story of the Jathoom to warn their children of what would happen if they did not pray on time or not pray at all.  Scholars believe that the Jathoom can be avoided by reading specific verses from the Quran and/or by sleeping on your right side.

On the other hand, there is also a scientific explanation to what causes sleep paralysis. It is said that humans go through certain stages of sleep. The deepest stage is known as the Rapid Eye Movement or REM stage. During the REM stage, the body goes through a phase called muscle atonia in which muscles are paralyzed and unable to move. This is so that the person does not act out his/her dream. When a person’s REM sleep is disrupted to the sudden awakening caused by a nightmare or such, the person wakes up paralyzed not fully recovered from the paralysis caused by muscle atonia. When this happens, the person panics and because that person is not fully awake, he/she starts to hallucinate. This usually lasts for a few minutes before the person either completely wakes up or simply goes back to sleep. Scientists say that the Jinn theories can be debunked as not all people see or hear Jinn when they encounter sleep paralysis. People see what scares them the most, which can be a murderer, a monster or their room devoured by flames.

In conclusion, no matter what causes sleep paralysis, all who experienced it would agree that it is a gruesome experience. On the long term, sleep paralysis can lead to a huge impact on the health of its victims. Therefore, doctors should start an awareness program to clear out confusions while parents should teach their children how to avoid sleep paralysis rather than fear it.