Sleep Paralysis
By Zeeshan Ahmed
Isra University
Image source: www.neurodiagnosis.org
“Mom! I had a strange dream last night!”
“What was it, son?”
“Mom, I suddenly woke up in the night, but I couldn’t move my body, I was like tied to something”
“Oh! That was…”
What is it?
You wake up one night, suddenly. You look around; to your surprise (and panic) you cannot move your head! You can look at the ceiling, a bit sideways as well, but you cannot move your head! Okay, now you try to move your arms, to your shock they aren’t moving as well and same happens with your legs. You even try to shout, raise your voice, but in vain. You are not able to comprehend the situation. That my dear readers, is the natural condition which is called “Sleep Paralysis”. In this condition your mind wakes up, but your remaining body doesn’t.
Background
Sleep Paralysis was once considered of supernatural nature and such concepts still persist. It was widely associated with actions of paranormal beings, ghostly creatures, monsters etc. It was also considered that such condition is an indication that something unlucky can happen in the near future. In England it was supposed that an evil ghost, particularly an old, witch woman presses the person in his/her sleep and tries to suffocate the victim. In Chinese culture it was supposed that it is caused by evil demons. Such concept is common in most of the cultures with a little variation. In Afghanistan it is believed that this happens when someone has committed something bad. But such concepts are nothing but result of overly active imagination, away from reality.
Symptoms
- Inability of moving body parts upon awakening.
- Little phases marking the stress of muscles a bit.
- Small or long duration of lucid dreams.
- Occurrence of hallucinations.
Possible Causes
After years of research and observations many causes of Sleep Paralysis have been deduced, some of them are described below
1. Sleeping in an awkward position: There are chances that you might experience Sleep Paralysis while sleeping in a strange or unusual position.
2. Thinking deeply before sleeping: There are some chances that you might face it when you sleep while you were trying to sleep. It mostly occurs when you’re thinking about a terrible situation, a confusing problem etc.
3. Change of lifestyle: A sudden change of lifestyle also sometimes trigger it. If you travel to some other place, obviously your routine changes a bit; you’re disturbed as well which can cause Sleep Paralysis. Jetlag can also trigger it.
4. Mental Fatigue: You can suffer it if you’re tired mentally. After a long day of mental work, it can occur.
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Is Sleep Paralysis Dangerous?
As mentioned earlier, Sleep Paralysis is a natural phenomenon and occurs sometimes. It is sometimes associated with narcolepsy, the neurological condition of uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep. But such occurs very less, and is at most times temporary. Sometimes it is hereditary, in other words, it runs in families. But such is not that common.
There is also a feeling of anxiety in Sleep Paralysis, which of course is obvious but should be avoided. Sometimes there are illusions attached with Sleep Paralysis as well, like you feel during the condition that you’re being watched, or someone is in your room. But there is nothing to be worried about, nothing at all. Such occurrences are rare and if happen are illusions. There is no physical damage associated with it, so don’t worry.
Sleep Paralysis and Dreams:
You might think that dreams have got nothing to do with Sleep Paralysis. You’re wrong. It plays a major part in this condition.
While in Sleep paralysis you can have very clear or lucid dreams. Dreams can occur after the condition, before the condition or can even go along with the condition. Such dreams feel like reality. The main reason behind the occurrence of such dreams is the overactive condition of brain, which pushes the imagination to heights.
Precautions for Sleep Paralysis:
- Do not panic as it will increase the effect, that’s all! Remain calm
- Do not force your body; just let it be the way it is. Your continuous force will result in nothing but humiliation.
- Think of pleasant things or do not think at all.
Prevention is better than cure
- Do not think of confusing, mind-teasing or terrible things before sleeping.
- Drink few glasses of water before sleeping.
- Maintain food routine; don’t take heavy food before sleeping.
- Sleep in a normal position, avoid awkward position.
- Try not to watch a horror or confusing movie before sleeping, sometimes it affects your brain and you end up being in Sleep Paralysis.
Remember, Sleep Paralysis is a normal phenomenon and doesn’t cause any physical damage. But as mentioned, if you take care of some things, it will not occur at all.
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nice info…it happen to me some times :)
This is what we call karabasan in Turkish. “Kara” = “dark” and “basan” = “the one who is pressing”. People associate it to demons, but I guess it’s only due to anxiety.
were you a student of pre-medical? :P
v informative article… a few months back i wz sick & tired of this condition as it was happening to me every other day..i also thought that its some evil ghost or something lol cz thts cz hw U feel when it happens n its a lil scary as well…thanx a lot for telling us the actual reason..lol
i like to read it but i hate to feel it.
i am going for mbbs in King Edward.and i look forward to reading these horrible things written by people like you…
its perfect for halloween night…