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India Today
09-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
That thing in the corner of your room isn't a ghost; it's sleep paralysis
Ever felt this happen to you? You wake up at night with your eyes wide open, but your mind is screaming out. A feeling when your body is a stone statue; you feel trapped, pinned to the bed by an invisible force. There's a crushing weight on your chest, and from the darkest corner of the room, a figure appears. At this point, you're absolutely certain that you're not millions, this isn't a scene from a thriller film. It's a real, recurring nightmare. And it's exactly what Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha had (in the past) bravely opened up 'Dabangg' actress confessed in an interview that she had felt an eerie presence around her room one day. Sharing this vivid experience, Sinha recalled her 4 am "encounter". 'I was at that stage where my eyes were shut, but my mind was completely alert. Suddenly, I felt this pressure, like someone was trying to wake me up..." Her experience, seeing "someone" while frozen in fear, shines a spotlight on a phenomenon that has long been misinterpreted as a paranormal event, or a demonic attack. Modern medical science, however, has a different name for it: Sleep Paralysis (SP). That "someone" or "shadow" in the room also isn't a ghost. It's an intricate, terrifying trick being played on you by your own WAKING NIGHTMAREAccording to sleep specialists, this paralysis is parasomnia, medically described as a disruptive sleep disorder that occurs in the space between wakefulness and sleep. Up to 40% of the population experiences it at least once, with many having recurring Tandon, a sleep specialist from Gurgaon, explains the phenomenon: During the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, where your most vivid dreams occur, the brain releases chemicals that cause temporary muscle paralysis, a condition called REM atonia. This is a safety feature for the brain. "Simply put, SP is essentially a system glitch where your consciousness reboots and becomes aware before the atonia has worn off. "In this state, you are mentally awake, but your body is still in sleep mode — paralysed," Tandon SHADOW PERSON The sleep-awake state experience sometimes goes from being confusing to terrifying. Your mind, during this state, is fully awake, but your senses are still picking up dream-like signals. There's heightened fear and the brain's threat-detection system goes into scans the room for a cause and then projects a form onto the ambiguous shadows and shapes in your room. This is often perceived as a dark, human-like silhouette — the infamous "Shadow Person." Some people who have experienced this paralysis also believe they were woken up by an intruder, or an old is the explanation for the pressure felt on the chest? Tandon says suffocation is a hallmark of sleep paralysis."During REM sleep, your breathing is naturally more shallow and usually more rapid. When you suddenly become conscious and try to control your breathing, the lingering muscle paralysis makes it feel constricted and difficult, triggering panic," she explains. The amygdala (brain's fear centre) is active during this state. It floods your system with an intense feeling of dread and a "sensed presence," that unshakeable feeling of someone hostile being in the room with you, even if you can't see NEWWhat Sonakshi experienced is not centuries, different cultures around the world have created folklore to explain this exact medical event. While in Canadian Newfoundland, it's known as the "Old Hag" who sits on your chest at night. In Japanese culture, it's called "Kanashibari," meaning "to be bound by metal."advertisementIn medieval Europe, such hallucinations were often blamed on the Incubus and Succubus, malevolent demons who preyed on people who were aren't spirits; they are different cultural interpretations of the same neurological YOU FIGHT BACK?Sleep paralysis is not dangerous, and you can take steps to reduce its intensity. It's often triggered by disruptions to your sleep cycle, hence the solution lies in improving your sleep health. The first step is to master your sleep hygiene."Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Do it even on weekends. Create a sleeping sanctuary; a room that is dark, quiet, and cool. Second, manage your stress level. It is often seen that anxiety is a major trigger for all kinds of sleep disruptions. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your day, like meditation, light exercise, journaling, or simply reading a book before bed," advises Tandon. Watching the way you sleep also works. Many people have reported episodes when sleeping on their back (in the supine position). Try sleeping on your must you do during an episode? If you find yourself in the grip of sleep paralysis, don't try to fight the condition itself. You can't win. "Focus all your mental energy on a small movement. Try wiggling a single toe or a finger to start with," Tandon tells us. She adds that often moving one small part of the body can send a signal to your brain to break the spell and wake your body yourself this: there's no ghost in your room. It's your brain, momentarily caught between two worlds. By taking control of your health, you can help ensure those worlds stay where they belong.- Ends
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dog Rescued From Streets—Hearts Melt at How She Sleeps: 'Literally Cried'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A rescue dog's peaceful sleep in her new home has captured the hearts of TikTok users around the world. TikToker @princesspixiewixie shared a touching video of their pup, Pixie, wagging her tail joyfully while fast asleep in different cozy spots—including atop a green bed and nestled in a sunny window nook. The footage quickly went viral, earning 44,100 likes and 205,300 views on the platform. "I literally cried making this. Pixie is the sweetest dog ever, and while I might not know what the first few years of her life were like, I know that the rest of her days will be filled with all the comfy naps and sweet tail-wagging dreams she deserves," she captioned the video. "She used to sleep on the streets but this is how she sleeps now," reads the heartfelt on-screen text. It's not uncommon for dogs to wag their tails while asleep, according to Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. Much like humans, dogs cycle through stages of sleep, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement), during which dreaming occurs. Tail wagging during sleep can indicate a positive dream or a replay of happy daytime memories—suggesting that Pixie is now living a life full of comfort and contentment. Helping a rescue dog adjust to a new home takes patience and care. As Dog's Trust outlines, new rescue dogs benefit from having a quiet, safe space to retreat to, a predictable daily routine, and lots of positive reinforcement. With love, time, and gentle guidance, they can overcome the uncertainty of their pasts and settle into their new lives—just as Pixie clearly has. TikTok users were quick to flood the comments with praise and emotion. "I love animals more than humans," said one user. "You did that—remember this always. You gave her this sweet life that transcends to her subconscious," said Anne. "Can't stop wagging her tail from happiness," shared another. A stock image showing a dog sleeping in a window. A stock image showing a dog sleeping in a window. ulkas/iStock / Getty Images Plus "If she could talk human, she would tell you how grateful she is that you found her and that you're her guardian angel. Thank you," said Jules. "OMG she is so cute and you've created this awesome space for her," said another viewer. "This is the most heartwarming TikTok I have seen in a very long time. What a happy, lucky little dog! Bless you and your family, Pixie," said Andrea. "Oh my goodness that wagging tail, isn't she just gorgeous, you are a wonderful person," said Karen. Newsweek reached out to @princesspixiewixie for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
What happens to your body when you give up booze and how quickly you'll see changes
If you're thinking about giving up alcohol, you may be wondering how it will affect your body - and how long it will take to see a difference. Here's what you need to know If you've ever contemplated ditching alcohol, you might have pondered the effects it would have on your body. It's common knowledge that quitting can yield a plethora of health benefits, but what exactly will happen in the days, weeks, and months after you stop drinking? In the initial few days, withdrawal symptoms such as poor sleep quality and mild depression may be experienced, according to psychologist Dr Rafaat Girgis. Speaking to Vogue, the medical director at mental health treatment centre Moment of Clarity warned: "This is a time where you are most physically vulnerable." However, improvements in sleep quality, increased energy levels and enhanced digestion will soon follow, with these benefits manifesting as swiftly as 72 hours post-abstinence. Enhanced hydration could also lead to noticeable changes in your skin, and your immune system will function more effectively. A month into your alcohol-free journey, cardiovascular health will have improved, liver enzyme levels and blood pressure will have stabilised, says Dr Girgis. After three months, you might find your mental health feels more balanced and your sleep patterns more regular. Dr Girgis believes it takes a full year for your body to fully recover, stating: "My feeling is that it truly takes one year for your body to return to normal," This is when your risk of developing certain cancers decreases. You may also notice significant improvements in your confidence, self-esteem and sexual function, reports Surrey Live. Drink Aware sheds light on the benefits of ditching alcohol, stating it can considerably enhance sleep quality. It's a common myth that a drink can help you nod off more quickly, but actually alcohol hampers quality rest by disrupting the vital Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, leading to fatigue the following day. You can also expect an improvement in skin condition upon going teetotal. As mentioned by Drink Aware, "Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin, and this happens every time you drink. This can cause your skin and eyes to look dull." The calorific impact of alcohol on weight is often overlooked, but cutting it out might contribute to weight loss. A pint of beer or a large glass of wine carries calories equivalent to over half a cheeseburger. Besides sleep and appearance improvements, forgoing alcohol could slash the risk of various cancers like those of the bowel, breast, liver, and mouth, as well as fostering a healthier liver and diminishing the chances of liver disease. If you're concerned about your drinking habits, the NHS provides valuable guidance. A constant urge to drink, finding yourself in trouble due to drinking, or receiving cautions about your intake from others may indicate a dependency. In such cases, quitting abruptly, or 'cold turkey', can be unsafe, thus seeking advice from a GP or healthcare professional is advised. You might encounter withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, perspiration and mild tremors, nausea, and vomiting. However, the NHS cautions that if you experience any severe symptoms like hallucinations, severe tremors, or seizures or fits, it's crucial to dial 999 immediately. Numerous charities and support services are available to assist you in your journey to sobriety.
