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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Recent questions
What are nightmares?
Scary dreams during REM sleep with potential consequences.