Night hag

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The Nightmare, by Henry Fuseli (1781) is thought to be one of the classic depictions of sleep paralysis perceived as a demonic visitation.

The night hag or old hag is a supernatural creature found in folklore from around the world, often used to explain the phenomenon of sleep paralysis. During sleep paralysis, a person may feel the presence of a malevolent being, which immobilizes them as if sitting on their chest or at the foot of their bed. The term "night-mare" or "nightmare" was originally used to describe this phenomenon before it acquired its modern, more general meaning. Different cultures have various names and interpretations for this phenomenon and the associated supernatural character.

Folklore

In folklore, the night hag is often depicted as a malevolent supernatural being that terrorizes and immobilizes people during their sleep. This creature is typically described as an old, hideous woman who sits on the chest of her victims, making it difficult for them to breathe and move.

Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a sleep disorder that occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. It is characterized by the temporary inability to move or speak, often accompanied by a feeling of pressure on the chest and a sense of impending doom. Some individuals experiencing sleep paralysis also report hallucinations, such as seeing or sensing the presence of a malevolent being. Researchers believe that sleep paralysis is caused by a disruption in the normal sleep cycle, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

Cultural Interpretations

Various cultures have their own interpretations of the night hag phenomenon and have developed unique names and stories to explain sleep paralysis:

• Scandinavian Folklore: The night hag is known as the "Mara" or "Mare," a malicious spirit that sits on the chest of sleeping individuals, causing bad dreams and suffocating sensations.
• Slavic Folklore: The creature is called "Kikimora," an evil spirit that disturbs sleep and brings nightmares.
• Turkish Folklore: The phenomenon is referred to as "Karabasan," a demonic creature that sits on the sleeper's chest, causing suffocation and terror.
• Japanese Folklore: In Japan, the night hag is called "Kanashibari," a spirit that binds and paralyzes people during their sleep.
• African Folklore: The night hag is known as the "Night Witch" or "Succubus," an evil spirit that seduces and torments men in their sleep.

These cultural interpretations of the night hag phenomenon highlight the universality of sleep paralysis experiences and the human tendency to attribute supernatural causes to unexplained events.

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See Also

• Sleep Paralysis
• Nightmare
• Sleep Disorders
• Folklore
• Against a Dwarf
• Batibat
• Mare (folklore)