What are shadow people?

A shadow person is, according to folklore and those who believe in the supernatural, a dark shadow in the shape of a human sometimes attributed to the presence of an evil entity. Other accounts maintain that shadow people are not evil entities but mere guardians who watch over humanity.

Despite there being descriptions of shadow people in several cultures, religions and legends around the world that classify these apparitions as supernatural in origin, scientists offer several explanations to the phenomenon. Sleep deprivation, hallucinations and side effects of certain medications, among other psychological and physiological factors, are possible reasons why people see these figures.