incubo

Incubo refers to a phenomenon experienced during sleep where an individual feels a sense of pressure or suffocation and is unable to move or speak. This is often accompanied by intense fear, dread, or a feeling of a malevolent presence. The experience typically occurs during REM sleep or when transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. It is also known as sleep paralysis.

While the exact causes are not fully understood, sleep paralysis is thought to be related to the body's natural paralysis mechanism during REM sleep, which prevents us from acting out our dreams. When this paralysis extends into wakefulness, the individual becomes consciously aware but unable to move. Hallucinations, such as seeing figures, hearing sounds, or feeling touch, are also common during incubo episodes, contributing to the terrifying nature of the experience.

Incubo is not considered a medical disorder in itself, but it can be associated with other sleep conditions like narcolepsy or sleep apnea, and can be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, or irregular sleep schedules. The episodes are usually brief, lasting only a few minutes, and resolve on their own. While distressing, incubo episodes are generally harmless. Relaxation techniques and improving sleep hygiene are often recommended to reduce their frequency.