When we are asleep, somewhere between dreams and wakefulness, our brains can sometimes blur the line between what is real and what feels real. Actor Sonakshi sinha Recently opened up about one such experience that shook her belief system.
In a conversation with Bollywood hungamaShe shared, “I used to not believe. I used to believe at all. Happened, Maybe it is a know.
She described the incidence in vivid detail, pointing to a strange early morning episode that left her frozen in Fear. “So, I was sleeping. You know that sleep where you do, but you not awake? Your eyes are shut, but your mind is on, and like that. So, it was just that. Know. to see, If there’s someone or not. I just froze. Like, I litrally froze. I could move. And then, I didn’t open my eyes till the morning, till the lights came. It really shook me up. “
She admitted that fear and discomfort lingered the next day. She said, “The next day, when I was coming home, it was late at night again, so when I open my door, and I peeked in first. And then I said, very loudly: Jo Bhi Aaya Tha Kal Raat Ko, Phirse Aise Mat Karo Main Bohot Darr Gayi Thi. Agar kuch bhi baat karni hai toh mere sapne mein aana… No face to face conversation. (Whover camera night night, please don’t do that, I was very scared. And then I walked in. And I swear after that nothing of this kind has been happy. “
So, could this be an episode of sleep paralysis, and how do the brain misinterpret it as something supernatural?
Dr bhaskar shukla, consultant neurologist At PSRI HOSPITAL, tells indianxpress.com, “Yes, what sonakshi described is most likely an episode of sleep paralysis. This phenomenon Ocurs When a person is eating asleep or waking up, and the mind beomes conscious while the body remains temporarily immobile. During Re (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, The Brain Paralysses Most Voluntary Muscles to Prevent Us from Physically Acting Our Dreams. ”
He Continues, “In Sleep paralysis, The Person Beomes Aware Before the Rem Phase is full, causing a frightening mismatch between mental alertness and physical immobility. Supernatural because of the intense fear, vivid hallucinations, and a strong sense of ‘presence’ or rising – especially in cultures where there are myths around spirits or shadowfres during. ‘
Why do such such experiences feel intensely real and terrifying even after waking up?
Dr shukla says these experiences feel real “Because the brain, still partially in a dream state, blends dream imagery with conscious perception.” This overlap can create vivid hallucinations – Visual, Auditory, or Tactile – That feel like they are happy in the real world.
Story Continues Below this ad
“Neurologically, The Brain’s Amygdala, which Processes Fear, Beomes Hyperact During Sleep Paralysis. Doctor.
Addedhanically, many people report feeling “pressure on the chest” or difficial breathing, which is linked to shalow breathing patterns dumbs sleep and the body’s immobile statate. Though temporary and harmless, these sensations feel finalmely real and can leave lingering fear event for waking up, Concludes dr shukla.