Many cultures developed their own explanations — Japan speaks of being “bound by steel,” Chinese folklore calls it “ghost pressure,” and in parts of Africa it’s described as “a devil riding on your back.”
Some people also experience intense hallucinations. Many describe a presence in the room, someone sitting on their chest, or even an overwhelming feeling of doom. Swedish artist Jonna Jinton has written about her first experience at age 16, describing a strange vibration and the sensation of being pulled into something. Singer Zara Larsson has also spoken openly about her own frightening episodes.
