Sleep paralysis and folklore

Sleeping and dreaming in Greek mythology

This article aims to emphasize the major influence of Ancient Greek Mythology on modern sleep medicine. An analysis of Greek texts and medical literature using the MeSH terms Greek mythology, sleep, Greek Gods, and myths was conducted to identify mythological references related to sleep medicine. The findings are discussed concerning etymology, the early conceptualization of some disorders, and the developing characterization of sleep disorders in Greek mythology. The search found several observations in clinical sleep medicine concealed in ancient myths. Beyond the etymology of terms and reflective imaginations, these myths and their characters influence concepts that still tantalize our medical practice in modern days.

The devil molested me: A case series of incubus syndrome from North India

Incubus syndrome is a disorder typically seen in females where she reports that a male demon lies upon her and engages in sexual activity with her. While the concept of incubus is typically based on Western folklore a limited number of case reports are present on this topic more from India. There is a diverse opinion among the authors related to this disorder where some link this to psychotic disorders while some to sleep disorders. Here we report a case series of females who were suffering from psychotic disorder and over time developed incubus syndrome. We also the role of cultural factors and superstition in the formation of these disorders and the role of antipsychotic medication and modified electroconvulsive therapy in its treatment.

Incubus Syndrome: A Case Series and Review of Literature

Incubus syndrome, characterized by delusional belief in female patients of being sexually approached by an unforeseen person, is rarely described in literature and description has been limited to isolated case reports. We describe four patients with schizophrenia, who reported the phenomenon of incubus and responded well to treatment with antipsychotics. A review of literature yielded five reports (describing six cases), most of which were described in the context of schizophrenia.