Saed News: Who is More Likely to Experience "Bakhtek"? In this article, we examine the causes, at-risk groups, and prevention methods of "Bakhtek" based on credible scientific sources.
Report from Saed News Educational Service: What is "Bakhtek" and why does it happen to some people? An exploration of scientific reasons and preventive measures
What is Bakhtek?
Bakhtek, scientifically known as "sleep paralysis," is a phenomenon experienced by many individuals at least once in their life. This condition is often accompanied by an inability to move, intense fear, and sometimes visual or auditory hallucinations. But who is more likely to experience Bakhtek? In this article, we explore the causes, at-risk groups, and ways to prevent Bakhtek, based on reliable scientific sources.
Bakhtek occurs when a person is caught between sleep and wakefulness. The brain is awake, but the body remains in the temporary paralysis of the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phase. This phase is usually associated with vivid dreams, and the body naturally becomes paralyzed to prevent physical reactions to dreams. If the brain wakes up before the body does, the person is conscious but unable to move, often accompanied by fear and hallucinations.
Symptoms of Bakhtek include:
Temporary inability to move or speak
Feeling of pressure or heaviness on the chest
Visual hallucinations (such as seeing imaginary creatures) or auditory hallucinations (hearing unreal sounds)
Feeling of suffocation or shortness of breath
Intense fear and anxiety
This state typically lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes and resolves on its own.
Who is More Likely to Experience Bakhtek?
Research shows that sleep paralysis is a relatively common phenomenon, with about 8 to 20% of people experiencing it in their lifetime. However, certain groups are at a higher risk:
People with sleep disorders
Those suffering from conditions like narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleep attacks), insomnia, or sleep apnea are more likely to experience Bakhtek. Disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis.
People under severe stress or anxiety
Daily stress, psychological pressures, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can trigger Bakhtek. People who are constantly under mental strain may have poor sleep quality, which increases the risk of sleep paralysis.
People with irregular sleep patterns
Those who have irregular sleep schedules, such as due to shift work, long trips (jetlag), or chronic sleep deprivation, are more likely to experience Bakhtek. Sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours can also exacerbate the phenomenon.
Teenagers and young adults
Sleep paralysis often starts during puberty and peaks in the 20s to 30s. This may be due to hormonal changes, academic stress, or erratic lifestyles common at these ages.
People who sleep on their backs
Sleeping on one's back (supine position) is associated with an increased risk of Bakhtek. This position may make breathing more difficult and exacerbate the feeling of pressure on the chest.
People with a genetic predisposition
There is evidence that genetics plays a role in the occurrence of Bakhtek. If a close family member has experienced sleep paralysis, you may be more likely to experience it as well.
Consumers of certain medications or substances
Medications related to ADHD, stimulants, or even alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle and increase the risk of Bakhtek. Additionally, substance abuse is linked to this phenomenon.
Bakhtek results from a disruption in the coordination between the brain and body during the REM phase. In this phase, the brain is active and dreams form, but the body becomes paralyzed to prevent unwanted movements. If a person becomes conscious during this phase, the brain is awake, but the body remains paralyzed, leading to the experience of Bakhtek.
Other triggering factors include:
Lack of sleep or oversleeping: Insufficient or excessive sleep can disrupt the REM cycle.
Sudden changes in sleep schedule: Such as jetlag or shift work.
Hallucinations related to stress: The brain, in a semi-conscious state, may produce frightening images or sounds.
Environmental factors: Such as sleeping in noisy or uncomfortable environments.
While Bakhtek itself is not dangerous and usually does not cause physical harm, frequent occurrences can negatively impact one's quality of life. Here are some scientific strategies to reduce the likelihood of experiencing Bakhtek:
Regulate sleep schedule
Maintaining a regular sleep pattern and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night can stabilize the sleep cycle. Avoid long naps during the day (more than 2 hours).
Manage stress
Stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can improve sleep quality and reduce Bakhtek. Counseling with a psychologist may also help manage anxiety or depression.
Change sleeping position
If you habitually sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side. This change can reduce the likelihood of Bakhtek.
Avoid stimulants before bedtime
Refrain from consuming caffeine, alcohol, or heavy foods late at night, as these can interfere with sleep.
Improve sleep environment
Create a calm, dark, and cool environment for sleep. Using thick curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine can improve sleep quality.
Consult a doctor for frequent occurrences
If Bakhtek occurs frequently, consulting a sleep specialist or psychiatrist is essential. Sometimes, medication (such as dopamine regulators) or investigation of sleep disorders like narcolepsy is recommended.
In different cultures, Bakhtek is often attributed to supernatural creatures or spirits. For example, in Iranian culture, it is believed to be an invisible entity that sits on the chest of the individual. However, modern science fully explains this phenomenon as a neurological disorder, with no connection to supernatural beings.
Nevertheless, these beliefs reflect the universal experience of Bakhtek. In Japan, it is attributed to vengeful spirits, while in Nigeria, it is thought to be caused by a demoness who haunts dreams.
Bakhtek itself is not dangerous and does not cause death or physical complications. However, frequent experiences of it can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or fear of sleep. In these cases, root treatment (such as stress management or sleep disorder treatment) is necessary.
Bakhtek, or sleep paralysis, is a common but harmless phenomenon that often occurs due to disturbances in the sleep cycle and environmental factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, or irregular sleep patterns. People such as teenagers, those with anxiety, or those who sleep on their backs are more at risk. By following strategies like regulating sleep patterns, managing stress, and improving the sleep environment, the likelihood of experiencing Bakhtek can be minimized. If this issue occurs frequently, consulting a sleep specialist can be an effective solution. By understanding the scientific nature of this phenomenon and dispelling superstitions, you can have a calmer experience and better quality sleep.
