I study demonic possession dreams. Here’s what we’ve found. | Patrick McNamara
Big Think・5 minutes read
Nightmares during REM sleep can result in disorders like depression and isolated sleep paralysis, with vulnerability linked to a disinhibited form of REM neurobiology causing daytime dissociative states. In traditional societies, control over nightmares and demonic agents can lead to social status and roles as shamans or spiritual guides, emphasizing the importance of nightmares in religious consciousness and REM neurobiology.
Insights
- Vulnerability to nightmares is associated with a unique form of REM neurobiology that can cause nightmares to intrude into waking life, leading to dissociative states during the day.
- In traditional societies, individuals who can manage nightmares and supernatural agents gain social status, becoming revered as shamans or spiritual guides, emphasizing the profound impact of nightmares on religious beliefs and REM neurobiology.
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What are nightmares?
Scary dreams during REM sleep with potential consequences.
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Summary
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Nightmares: Impact, Control, and Spiritual Significance
- Nightmares, defined as scary dreams that occur during REM sleep, can lead to serious disorders like depression and isolated sleep paralysis.
- Vulnerability to nightmares is linked to a disinhibited form of REM neurobiology, where nightmares can intrude into waking consciousness, causing daytime dissociative states.
- Nightmares often involve supernatural agents, particularly demonic ones, which can have enduring effects on individuals, potentially leading to possession if not addressed.
- In traditional societies, individuals who can control nightmares and demonic agents gain social status, being seen as powerful and called to be shamans or spiritual guides, highlighting the significance of nightmares in religious consciousness and REM neurobiology.
