1060: Dreams | Skeptical Sunday

Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon where individuals wake up unable to move, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations. Michael Regilio explains that this occurs because the brain shuts down the body's ability to move during REM sleep to prevent acting out dreams, leading to a state where one is awake but still dreaming 1. This can result in terrifying experiences, often mistaken for alien abductions or demonic encounters, as people perceive creatures around them while being unable to move 1.

So you wake up, your paralysis is still an effect that you have naturally as a part of sleep, but your dream mind is still active and you're also kind of awake.

--- Michael Regilio

Interestingly, about one-third of people report experiencing sleep paralysis, and sleeping on one's back may increase its likelihood 2.

   

REM Behavior Disorder

REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a condition where individuals physically act out their dreams, posing significant dangers. Michael Regilio shares that comedian Mike Birbiglia, who has RBD, once jumped out of a hotel window during a dream, highlighting the disorder's potential for harm 2. Tragically, some people with RBD have even committed violent acts in their sleep, leading to complex legal and ethical dilemmas 3.

If you have RBD and you murder somebody in a dream, you might be murdering somebody in real life.

--- Michael Regilio

Additionally, 98% of those with RBD develop Parkinson's or dementia, indicating a strong link between the disorder and these neurological conditions 3.