Many individuals have quietly wondered if the strange noises they hear at night are actually caused by ghosts. And, in some cases, people might even believe they have seen a ghost in person. But what exactly causes us to feel like there is a presence from beyond the grave? Exploding head syndrome, sleep paralysis, and even mold can all contribute to that spine-chilling feeling or the sensation that someone is watching.
So, prepare yourselves as we delve into five possible scientific explanations for experiences of paranormal activity. Sleep paralysis, exploding head syndrome, and even mold can all create that spine-chilling feeling or the sensation of being watched.
1. Sleep Paralysis
In 2015, a woman shared a frightening experience she had when she went to bed one night. When she laid down next to her husband, who was snoring as usual, she felt a tap on her shoulder and heard someone whisper, “I’m cold, can I get in?” What causes sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis occurs when you cannot move your muscles while waking up or falling asleep. This happens because your body is in sleep mode but your brain is active.
The exact reasons why sleep paralysis occurs are unclear, but it has been associated with insomnia, disrupted sleeping patterns (such as those caused by shift work or jet lag), narcolepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or a family history of sleep paralysis. The woman mentioned above agreed, thinking it was one of her daughters, but when she opened her eyes, she saw her seven-year-old son who had passed away months earlier.
This terrifying phenomenon is known as sleep paralysis and is often used to explain sightings of paranormal activity. Although doctors are unsure of how this happens exactly, it is believed to occur during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) when vivid dreams are most likely to occur. People who experience sleep paralysis often feel awake but may also experience sensations of being pushed down or may see hallucinations in their room. According to Dan Denis from the University of York, there are three types of hallucinations commonly experienced during sleep paralysis: intruder hallucinations (a sense of an evil presence in the room or multisensory hallucinations of an actual intruder), incubus hallucinations (pressure on the chest and feelings of suffocation), and vestibular-motor hallucinations (illusory movement experiences like floating above the bed). The National Health Service (NHS) recommends at least seven to nine hours of sleep per day to prevent sleep paralysis. Regular exercise can also help, but it is advised not to exercise four hours before bedtime.
2. Mold
It may surprise you to learn that scientists have connected ghost sightings to poor air quality. Toxic mold spores can cause mood swings, irrational anger, and cognitive impairment if exposure occurs over a long period of time. Symptoms such as brain inflammation, memory loss, increased anxiety, and fear have been observed in recent studies. Interestingly, these symptoms bear a striking similarity to those reported by individuals claiming to have experienced paranormal activity, suggesting a potential connection. Professor Shane Rogers of New York’s Clarkson University has suggested that experiences reported in hauntings are similar to mental or neurological symptoms caused by exposure to toxic molds. While psychoactive effects of certain fungi are well-known, others, like indoor molds, are less researched. Though the physiological effects of allergy and asthma symptoms are well-established, there has been controversy over the effects of indoor mold exposure on cognitive and brain functioning.
3. Exploding Head Syndrome
Although it may sound like a made-up condition, exploding head syndrome is a real and frightening sensory disorder. It is characterized by the perception of a loud noise or sensation of explosion in the head, usually when transitioning into or out of deep sleep. This can range from literal explosions to gunshots or screams. A study conducted two years ago revealed that 44.4% of sufferers experienced significant fear during these episodes, with a small proportion believing they were caused by something supernatural. According to Professor Chris French of Goldsmiths University, previous research has suggested that a sizable portion of the global population will experience exploding head syndrome at least once in their lives. Therefore, even if only a small percentage of people ascribe this phenomenon to unconventional explanations like the supernatural or the effects of electronic equipment, millions of individuals worldwide likely interpret this experience in such terms.
4. Carbon Monoxide
The connection between carbon monoxide and paranormal experiences has been considered as far back as pre-World War II. In 1921, the American Journal of Ophthalmology recounted the chilling story of a woman referred to as “Mrs. H.” After moving into a new house, Mrs. H. and her family began hearing strange voices and feeling as though they were being held down in their beds. They also experienced weakness, headaches, and dizziness, which were ultimately the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless gas that can cause lasting damage even at low concentrations. It often results from burning fuels like gas, propane, wood-burning fireplaces, or clogged chimneys. In the case of Mrs. H., the emissions came from a faulty furnace, and once it was repaired, her family’s illnesses abated. More recent studies have shown that carbon monoxide poisoning can induce psychosis, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide is insidious since it is odorless and tasteless, making it difficult for individuals to connect their symptoms to carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Pareidolia
If you have ever caught yourself doing a double take, thinking you saw a monster in the mirror or a creature among the trees, you may have experienced pareidolia. Pareidolia occurs when humans attribute meaning to random visual stimuli, such as seeing faces in the clouds. While pareidolia is commonly associated with optical illusions, research suggests that it may also play a role in supernatural sightings. A study led by Tanta University two years ago involved showing 82 participants images of patterns resembling television static. Interestingly, participants who reported prior experiences with the paranormal were more likely to spot faces in these images.
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