10 Terrifying Things You Might Experience While Asleep

A good night’s sleep is often characterized by a sense of security as soon as your head hits the pillow. However, it’s not always possible to drift off in a good mood, and this can lead to consequences. You might wake up in the middle of the night unable to move, see a ghost in the doorway, or find yourself in the middle of a park wearing only your pajamas. Many strange and sometimes terrifying things can happen to us while we sleep. Here are the 10 most thrilling ones.

Sleep Paralysis

Some people describe this phenomenon as if an evil spirit has taken over their body. Sleep paralysis can occur when a person is on the boundary between wakefulness and sleep. During this transition, you may lose the ability to move and speak for a short period, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. The best way to avoid sleep paralysis is to get regular, adequate sleep, avoid sleeping on your back, and relax and unwind before bedtime.

Sleepwalking

If someone is slowly shuffling down the hallway, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a zombie apocalypse has begun. Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is not just walking during sleep but a series of behavioral habits that occur while asleep. People who sleepwalk may simply sit up in bed and look around, walk around the room, or even travel long distances. Doctors are still studying the causes of somnambulism and debating what triggers it. One thing is certain: most sleepwalkers experience sleep deprivation. While there are no specific medications for sleepwalking, practicing good sleep hygiene usually resolves the issue.

Sleep Talking

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 20 adults talks in their sleep occasionally. This is not usually a cause for concern, as sleep confessions cannot be used against you. Some sleep conversations may be nonsensical or relate to past events, experiences, and relationships that are no longer relevant or emotionally impactful. If you or your partner talks in their sleep, it might be worth investing in earplugs, as there is currently no treatment for this habit.

Ghosts and Apparitions

People most often encounter ghosts in a state of half-sleep. Our perception of the world softens and blurs, and during this time, we may see shadows moving from one end of the room to another. The relaxed brain interprets this as someone’s presence in the room. While not necessarily frightening, it might make you want to call in the Winchester brothers, just in case.

Getting Ready for Work

This can happen to both adults and children. You might wake up in the middle of the night, thinking it’s already morning, take a shower, get dressed, and even leave the house. Only then do you realize that it’s still dark outside and the stars are visible in the sky. This could be a rare form of sleepwalking, as you are technically still asleep during these actions. It occurs because you are exhausted and overly anxious about the upcoming day.

Eating While Asleep

Have you ever thought about baking a cake at 3 a.m.? In the morning, the awakened chef discovers a mess in the kitchen and wonders where the extra pounds on the scale came from. This sleep disorder is closely related to eating disorders and excessive alcohol consumption. In such cases, it’s essential to examine your eating habits to avoid dealing with unpleasant consequences.

Death in a Nightmare

Although horror movies are a product of Hollywood screenwriters’ imaginations, some are based on real events, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street. In April 1983, 130 Southeast Asian refugees died after screaming in their sleep for unknown reasons. However, before you start panicking, know that this phenomenon is incredibly rare and only occurs in certain Asian populations.

Falling

The sensation of free-falling has its own name: myoclonus, which is an involuntary muscle contraction. It’s not dangerous if these episodes occur rarely. However, if you notice that you are constantly shaking in your sleep, it could be a sign of epilepsy.

Feeling Like You Can’t Breathe

Breathing problems most often occur if you fall asleep on your back and are known as obstructive sleep apnea. It happens due to the softening of the tissues in the throat, which close during sleep. If this happens to you, it’s essential to consult a doctor and have your throat examined.

Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding Head Syndrome sounds both amusing and terrifying, but in reality, your head is fine. This sleep disorder involves hearing loud noises, such as the sound of a crowd, an explosion, or a short circuit, accompanied by a bright flash, as if some otherworldly creature is shining a flashlight directly in your face and sending electrical currents through your body. Rest assured, aliens have nothing to do with this phenomenon.