Sleep Science Reveals the Truth About Ghosts and Other Paranormal Activity

Oct. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Thousands have funneled through haunted houses and flocked to see the supernatural horror film Paranormal Activity 3 this Halloween season. However, according to dream researcher Ryan Hurd, frightening supernatural experiences do not just reside in the land of make-believe. For those suffering from a condition known as sleep paralysis, these are very real experiences that can provide nightly terror free of charge.

“Symptoms of sleep paralysis include the feeling of being held down, or seeing a terrible ghoul or goblin sitting on their chest. Some actually feel sexually violated by the offensive creature,” says Hurd.

Hurd, the author of Sleep Paralysis: A guide to hypnagogic visions and visitors of the night (Hyena Press), explains that seeing demons on the bed, and other frightening sensations, have purely biological roots.

“Sleep paralysis occurs when the sleeper is alert while simultaneously aware of bodily paralysis that ordinarily comes with REM sleep. In this strange hiccup of sleep biology, the sleeper literally projects the dream into the bedroom, serving up a realistic and horrifying nightmare.”

While many look for a playful, terror inspired adrenaline rush every Halloween, Hurd notes that a significant amount of people are desperately trying to avoid nighttime scares.

“Sleep paralysis is a sleep symptom responsible for thousands of ghost sightings, alien abductions, and demon attacks. 60% of college students have had it at least once, and such an experience is had by 40% of the general population.”

For those easily frightened by scary Halloween stories, Hurd assures that ghost tales are derived from a real sleep symptom that, just like horror movies, can terrify and thrill, but ultimately places the sleeper in no real danger.

For more information, Hurd can be reached through his website http://dreamstudies.org/contact/.

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