Incubus
Incubus
Incubus (/ɪnˈkjuːbəs/; from the Latin incubo meaning "nightmare") is a term used in medicine and psychology to describe a type of sleep paralysis often accompanied by hallucinations of a malevolent entity. The term originates from mythology, where an incubus was a male demon said to visit women in their sleep.
Etymology
The term "incubus" is derived from the Latin incubo, which translates to "nightmare". This term was used in Middle Ages to describe the malevolent spirits believed to visit people during their sleep. The word itself is a combination of in (on) and cubo (I lie down).
Medical Usage
In a medical context, "incubus" is used to describe a specific type of sleep disorder known as sleep paralysis. This condition is characterized by a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking. Individuals experiencing sleep paralysis often report feeling a heavy weight on their chests, which is reminiscent of the mythological incubus.
Related Terms
- Sleep Paralysis: A condition characterized by temporary inability to move or speak during sleep-wake transition periods.
- Hypnagogic Hallucinations: Vivid perceptual experiences occurring at the onset of sleep, often associated with sleep paralysis.
- Nightmare: A disturbing dream associated with negative feelings, such as anxiety or fear.
- Succubus: The female counterpart to the incubus in mythology, also associated with sleep paralysis in some interpretations.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Incubus
- Wikipedia's article - Incubus
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