Sleep paralysis (SP) is a psychobiological phenomenon caused by temporary desynchrony in the architecture of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It affects approximately 7.6% of the general population during their lifetime. The aim of this study was to assess (1) the prevalence of SP among Polish students in Lublin (n = 439) using self-reported online surveys, (2) the frequency of SP-related somatic and psychopathologic symptoms, and (3) the factors potentially affecting the occurrence of symptoms among people experiencing SP. We found that the incidence of SP in the Polish student population was slightly higher (32%) than the average prevalence found in other student populations (28.3%). The SP clinical picture was dominated by somatic symptomatology: 94% of respondents reported somatic symptoms (most commonly tachycardia, 76%), 93% reported fear (most commonly fear of death, 46%), and 66% reported hallucinations (most commonly visual hallucinations, 37%). The number of SP episodes was related to sleep duration and supine position during sleep. The severity of somatic symptoms correlated with lifestyle variables and anxiety symptomatology. Our study shows that a significant proportion of students experience recurrent SP and that this phenomenon is associated with fear and physical discomfort. The scale of the phenomenon requires a deeper analysis.

Sleep paralysis (SP) is a hypnagogic or hypnopompic state associated with the inability to move while conscious. Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) is a type of REM parasomnia. Individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, PTSD, exposure to chronic stress, or shift work are at risk of developing this sleep disorder. This study aimed to assess: (1) the prevalence, frequency, and symptomatology of SP, and (2) the impact of the severity of anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and lifestyle mode variables on the frequency and severity of SP in four professional groups at high risk of SP (n = 844): nurses and midwives (n = 172), policemen (n = 174), teachers (n = 107), and a group of mixed professions—“other professions” (n = 391). The study used a battery of online questionnaires: the Sociodemographic and Health Status Questionnaire, the SP-EPQ, the PCL -5, the STAI-T, the PSWQ and the PSS-10. The prevalence of SP was the lowest among policemen (15.5%) and the highest in the group of “other professions” (39.4%). The association of SP with symptoms of PTSD and anxiety was confirmed in the group of nurses and “other professions”. Among other factors modulating the incidence and severity of SP were: age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and perceived stress. This study indicates that there exist links between SP and psychological and lifestyle factors, suggesting a complex etiology for this sleep disorder. Due to the high prevalence of SP in the studied groups of occupations, further research is necessary to develop preventive and therapeutic methods for SP.

Background: Sleep paralysis (SP) is a transitional dissociative state associated with the REM sleep phase that affects approximately 28.3% of the student population during their lifetime. The reasons for the high prevalence of SP in the student population are not entirely clear. Research indicates possible influencing factors such as the intensification of anxiety symptoms, a tendency to worry, the presence of PTSD symptoms, and behavioral factors such as the consumption of psychoactive substances (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine), sleep deprivations and poor sleep hygiene. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of SP and determine the risk factors for the occurrence of SP in the population of Polish students. Methods: The study used a battery online consisting of a set of questionnaires 1) a personal questionnaire, 2) the SP-EPQ, 3) the PCL −5, 4) the STAI-T, 5) the PSWQ. The questionnaire was sent via Facebook to 4500 randomly selected students from different universities in Poland. The questionnaire was completed by 2598 students. To unify the participant sample, people over 35 were excluded from the study (45 students). Ultimately, data from 2553 students were analyzed. Results: A total of 33.14% of individuals experienced at least one episode of SP in their lives. The highest odds ratio for SP was associated with: the presence of three or more health problems (OR: 2.3; p = 0.002), the presence of any mental disorder (OR: 1.77; p = 0.002), including mood disorders (OR: 2.07; p = 0.002), suffering from at least one somatic disease (OR: 1.34; p = 0.002), a high level of anxiety as a constant personality trait (OR: 1.20; p = 0.035) and smoking (OR: 1.48; p = 0.0002), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.52; p < 0.0001), physical activity (OR: 1.31; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of our research indicate that a large proportion of students experienced isolated sleep paralysis. Mental and somatic health problems and lifestyle factors were found to predispose individuals to this disorder. Due to the numerous risk factors for SP, it is necessary to conduct additional research to confirm the impact of these factors and to investigate the mechanisms of their influence on SP.

The prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) is estimated at approximately 7.6% of the world’s general population. One of the strongest factors in the onset of SP is PTSD, which is often found among professional firefighters. Our study aimed to assess in the professional firefighter population (n = 831) (1) the prevalence of SP, (2) the relationship between SP and PTSD and (3) the relationship between SP and other factors: the severity of the stress felt, individual tendency to feel anxious and worried and lifestyle variables. The incidence of SP in the study group was 8.7%. The high probability of PTSD was found in 15.04% of subjects and its presence was associated with 1.86 times the odds of developing SP [OR = 1.86 (95% CI: 1.04–3.33); p = 0.04]. Officers who experienced at least 1 SP during their lifetime had significantly higher results in the scales: PCL-5, STAI-T, PSWQ. The number of SP episodes was positively correlated with the severity of symptoms measured by the PCL-5, PSS-10, STAI and PSWQ questionnaires. Further research is needed to assess the importance of SP among the firefighter population in the context of mental and somatic health and to specify methods of preventing SP episodes.

Introduction: With the increase in popularity of VOD (Video on Demand) platforms, there has been an increase in binge-watching and associated processes, which may influence the development of ‘mean world syndrome’. The aim of this study is to analyse current knowledge of the above phenomena and their interrelationships. Material and methods: A narrative review of the available literature was conducted by searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: binge-watching, mean world syndrome, fear of missing out (FOMO), speed-watching from 2000 to 2021 Results: The most important motivations for the development of binge-watching are social aspects, fear of missing out (FOMO), hedonistic needs and escape from reality. The process is exacerbated by depressive-anxiety disorders, loneliness, pathological overeating and neglect of responsibilities. To save time, viewers often practice speed-watching. A positive correlation has been shown between the severity of binge-watching and mean-world syndrome in viewers who watch series such as: House of Cards, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Marco Polo, Bloodline and Daredevil, as well as the frequency of watching horror films and viewers’ belief that they are more likely to die. In contrast, no relationship was shown with fear for safety in one’s home. People, who watch reality shows with a competitive scenario, perceive the world to be more hypocritical and manipulated. Conclusions:Compulsive viewing of violent programmes co-occurs with the phenomena of FOMO and speed-watching and can exacerbate the perception of the world as a dangerous place. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, both phenomena have increased, affecting the functioning of society.

The issue of parental neglect is a constantly topical one. Neglect is not only the lack of satisfying basic needs, but also the lack of ensuring a sense of security, belonging, and insufficient physical, emotional or verbal closeness with the child. Poor parental care, lack of a sense of closeness and availability of the parent, along with other environmental factors (e.g. addictions, diseases and mental disorders in the family) result in abnormal formation of the child's personality, and can also be associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicide attempts. The aim of the study was to present the clinical cases of two teenage patients (AA. – 13 years old, BB. – 16 years old) staying in the I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention in Lublin (Department for Children and Youth), whose mental health problems were caused by a constant neglect on the part of parents. Case reports: The patients came from dysfunctional families in which members showed a tendency to addiction (alcohol) and were emotionally and physically absent from the lives of the girls. Due to considerable upbringing problems, girls were hospitalized many times, both in paediatric wards and in psychiatric wards for children and adolescents, with various medical diagnoses. Conclusions: The presented cases of two patients indicate a potential cause-and-effect relationship between parental neglect, coexisting environmental factors (addictions of family members) and abnormal formation of the child's personality, self-harm or suicide attempts. In such family systems, it is extremely important, apart from a court-appointed family guardian, to introduce a family assistant to provide emotional or advisory support. Keywords: child neglect, dysfunctional family, Self Injurious Behavior.