Creaking floors, strange sounds in the dark, and the unsettling sense of being watched—many of us have experienced these spine-tingling moments. Surprisingly, surveys show that one in five people claim to have seen an apparition, while one in ten believe they’ve communicated with the dead. But could there be logical explanations for these eerie experiences?
According to the Daily Mail, scientists propose sleep paralysis as one possible cause. The NHS describes sleep paralysis as a condition that temporarily immobilizes a person as they transition between sleep and wakefulness. Occurring during REM sleep—the phase where the brain is highly active—sleep paralysis can lead to vivid and intense dreams. People experiencing it often report a feeling of chest pressure or terrifying visions of shadowy figures, a phenomenon historically linked to supernatural beliefs and referred to as “old hag syndrome.”
There’s another potential source of these ghostly experiences: carbon monoxide. This invisible, odorless gas, often produced by faulty appliances, can lead to symptoms such as confusion and vivid hallucinations. In fact, as far back as the 1920s, carbon monoxide exposure was associated with hallucinations that people described as ghostly encounters.
Further research has shown that certain brain abnormalities might also contribute to paranormal sensations. A 2017 case study involving a 26-year-old epilepsy patient demonstrated this when electrodes were used to stimulate his fusiform face area (FFA)—the part of the brain linked to facial recognition. This led him to experience unsettling illusions where familiar faces appeared to transform into distorted, cartoon-like figures. Similarly, a 22-year-old epilepsy patient described feeling a “presence” behind her when specific areas of her brain were stimulated. Such ghostly visions are not uncommon among those with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Moreover, ghostly experiences can arise from deep emotional responses. Studies show that during intense periods of grief, individuals often “hear” or “see” loved ones who have passed away. Psychologists attribute this to “schemas,” mental patterns we develop through familiar routines. In deeply bonded relationships, these schemas create such a strong impression that, after a partner’s passing, the feeling of their presence can remain as a vivid memory.
So, if you catch sight of a shadow or hear a familiar voice, it may simply be your brain, a gas leak, or the mysteries of sleep at work. While science offers insights into ghost sightings, it leaves room for the unknown, inviting us to wonder about what lies beyond our understanding.
