Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
08:58
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
Prisoners of the Body: The Link Between Interoception and Sleep Paralysis
Giuseppe Forte1, Danilo Giaccari1, Francesca Favieri2
1Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Sleep Research
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a REM sleep parasomnia. This study found SP linked to insomnia and heightened body awareness, not anxiety, suggesting interoception
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Sleep paralysis (SP) is a REM sleep parasomnia involving temporary motor paralysis and hallucinations during sleep transitions.
- While often linked to narcolepsy, isolated SP in healthy individuals provides insights into REM sleep physiology and consciousness.
- Previous research has not fully explored the role of interoception (body awareness) in the SP experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, phenomenology, and cognitive-emotional aspects of sleep paralysis in a healthy adult population.
- To explore the relationship between sleep paralysis and interoceptive sensitivity.
- To examine potential links between SP, sleep quality, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 210 adults from the Italian population.
- Assessment of sleep paralysis prevalence, subjective experiences, and associated cognitive-emotional factors.
- Inclusion of interoception measures to assess body awareness and its influence on SP.
Main Results:
- Approximately one in four participants reported experiencing sleep paralysis.
- Common sensations included inability to move/speak, tingling, and sealed eyelids, often with vivid hallucinations and fear.
- Sleep paralysis was associated with insomnia symptoms and heightened interoceptive sensitivity, but not poorer sleep quality or chronic anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Sleep paralysis may arise from a dissociation between REM sleep atonia and preserved consciousness, influenced by interoceptive awareness.
- Heightened interoceptive sensitivity appears linked to the SP experience, suggesting a role for body awareness.
- Interoception presents a potential target for future research and interventions in parasomnias like sleep paralysis.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:11Understanding Sleep
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Nightmares often...
01:22Stages of Sleep
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...