Sleep Paralysis: A Scary Jailer

Sleep paralysis is a very scary experience. I know this because it has happened to me several times, take it from me, it is not a pleasant feeling.
There are many opinions about what sleep paralysis truly is, we will get to that in a bit but first let me take a moment to explain what it felt like when it happened to me for the very first time.
I was in this bizarre state in between consciousness and sleep, i tried to move but I could not. I felt something come on top of me, trying to force its way into my body. I was terrified, i tried to scream but I could not, i felt utterly helpless and all I could do was say a silent prayer for the moment to pass quickly. The scariest part of it all was that I was all alone in the house because my parents were out of town.

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Alright guys before you freak out, researchers have come up with a scientific explanation for sleep paralysis, so fear not.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is the feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It happens when someone passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, one may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds or possibly a few minutes. Some people may feel like something is pressing against them or even feel like they are being choked.
Sleep paralysis happens either while you are falling asleep (hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis) or while you are waking up (hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis). During hypnagogic sleep paralysis, your body slowly relaxes and you normally become less aware, so you do not notice the change. However if you become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
During hypnopompic sleep paralysis, your body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non rapid eye movement) during sleep. NREM sleep occurs first and during that time, your body relaxes and restores itself. And at the end of it, your sleep shifts to REM. During REM sleep, your eyes move quickly and dreams occur but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. However, if you become aware before the REM cycle ends, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.

Four out of every ten people may have sleep paralysis. This is common among teenagers, however men and women of any age can have it.
Some factors that may be connected to sleep paralysis include:

• lack of sleep
• irregular sleep schedule
• mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
• sleeping on the back
• substance abuse

Treatment

There is no particular treatment for sleep paralysis, however you can take the following measures:

• improve your sleep habits and eat healthy meals
• try to have a regular sleep schedule, you may use a sleep diary if need be
• take prescribed medication if suffering from mental conditions or sleep problems
• avoid sleeping on your back
• avoid substance abuse

Spiritual Aspects of Sleep Paralysis

Despite the scientific explanation, a lot of people still believe that sleep paralysis is associated with evil and out of the ordinary. Some people believe sleep paralysis to be a visit from one's spiritual spouse, which means that somewhere in the spiritual realm, the victim has a spiritual husband or wife who comes to make love to them. Others believe sleep paralysis to be a sort of demonic attack and this compels them to seek deliverance in their various churches. Others even believe that sleep paralysis is a sign that the devil has come to bring misfortune upon them, forcing these people to seek fortification and spiritual cleansing in various places. These beliefs go on and on.

If you suffer from sleep paralysis, no matter your beliefs it is important that you stay calm and do not give in to fear. Put your mind at ease, take the necessary measures that work for you and hope that with time, your episodes stop for good.

Sources:
WebMD
Pulse.ng