Sleep Paralysis in Pakistan: Culture, Religion, Gender, and Beyond

In Pakistan, sleep paralysis isn't just a medical issue, it's a cultural and religious experience. Researchers decided to dive deep into this phenomenon by studying university students who've been through it. They wanted to understand how culture, religion, and gender shape these experiences. What they found was that Pakistani culture and religion indeed play a big role. Folktales and Islamic teachings often intertwine with these experiences. For instance, some people might attribute their sleep paralysis to ghost-like creatures from fairy tales. The study also highlighted that Pakistan's diverse ethnic groups lead to varied experiences of sleep paralysis. It's not just a physical or mental health issue, but a journey through different cultural and religious lenses. Interestingly, gender also played a part in these beliefs.The researchers concluded that the relationship between culture, religion, and gender is complex and deserves further exploration. This could help experts create better therapies that consider all these factors for improved health outcomes.