Sleep Paralysis: Cross Cultural Interpretations of the Old Hag Syndrome

Most Montrealers complain they do not get enough sleep. Yet, sleep affects our physical and mental health. Not having enough sleep affects our mood, our stamina, our home-life and career, and our social relationships.

Sleep is an important human function which is essential for good physical health and good mental health. Even though sleep is so important many Montrealers take sleeping for granted. They either sleep too much or more often than not, sleep less than is recommended for good health. Montrealers will catnap rather than sleep, burn the midnight oil studying, play on the computer, or just insist that they are too busy too sleep.

Conditions that affect sleep, our health, and mental health include such topics as sleep paralysis also known as dream paralysis. For help in the Montreal area for sleep disorders in Montreal click here

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Sleep paralysis, or dream paralysis, is one of the most frightening experiences in the realm of sleep disorders that a person can have. In this article we will discuss how sleep paralysis is seen throughout the world. A second article will talk about the symptoms, causes and treatment for it.

Origin and Folklore centering around sleep paralysis

It ancient times until recently sleep paralysis or dream paralysis was known as "the old hag syndrome." It got its name from a superstition or fear that an old hag, or witch was sitting on the person's chest making him/her unable to move or to breath while he/she was in bed and between sleep and wakefulness. The legends may date back as far as in the incubus and succubus in the paranormal world. At that time people believed it was the devil sitting on the victim's chest. Then there are other theories that the origin of old hag syndrome is Icelandic or Scandinavian and that old hag is the Goddess Mara.

Old hag syndrome is called "witch riding on your back" in African culture

It is known "pee umm" and "khmout sukkhot" in the Laotian, Thai, and Cambodian culture. Here dream paralysis is described as a ghostly figured holding a person down, but it is not possession by spirits which is referred to as "pee khao" and "khmout jool."

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis

http://www.astralvoyage.com/projection/Catatonic.html

http://www.shaktitechnology.com/sp.htm

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29750.asp

http://www.better-sleep-better-life.com/sleep-paralysis.htm