Why Can't You Scream in Nightmares? The Science Behind Dream Paralysis Revealed!

• During scary dreams, many experience inability to scream despite trying, a common phenomenon.
• This occurs during REM sleep, where the brain is active but muscle strength is reduced (atonia) to prevent physical movement.
• Screaming requires muscle movement in the throat, mouth, and tongue, which are relaxed during REM sleep.
• This temporary paralysis is a body's safety mechanism, preventing individuals from acting out dreams and causing self-harm.
• Nightmares often happen in REM sleep, leading to anxiety and sometimes temporary sleep paralysis upon waking.

Why It Matters: Inability to scream in dreams is due to REM sleep muscle paralysis, a body's safety mechanism.