SLEEP PARALYSIS
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being awake but unable to move. It happens when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During this transition period, you may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds, up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an overpowering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain's ability to regulate sleep.
When Does Sleep Paralysis Usually Occur?
Sleep paralysis occurs at one of two times. If it occurs when you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it's called hypnopedic sleep paralysis.
#What Happens With Hypnagogic Sleep Paralysis?
When you are falling asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually you become less aware, so you do not notice the change. BUT, if you remain or become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
#What Happens With Hypnopedic Sleep Paralysis?
During sleep, your body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) and N REM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. One cycle of REM and N REM sleep lasts about 90 minutes. N REM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During N REM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At the end of N REM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are "turned off" during REM sleep. If you become aware before the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
What Causes Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include: lack of sleep; a change in sleep schedule; mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder; sleeping on the back; narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps; use of certain medications.
Have you ever woken up from sleep or about to fall asleep, then all of a sudden you are unable to move your body or even speak? Some people without medical knowledge even call it spiritual attack.
It’s not a spiritual attack, it’s a medical condition known as sleep paralysis. It usually lasts 1 to 2 mins. When you experience that, don’t panic, relax instead.
Sleep paralysis is not a demonic attack.
Some people have sleep paralysis and say they only got relieved when they mentioned “God’s name or a prayer”, the thing is, the fact you can even open your mouth and talk means the sleep paralysis is already off. Your village people aren’t after you, so relax.
Treat with good sleep hygiene;
* No caffeine before sleeping
* Go to bed same time every night
* Remove distractions from your sleep environment. No noise or light.
What Can You Do About Sleep Paralysis?
There's no need to fear nighttime demons. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take steps at home to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress, especially just before bedtime. Try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back. And see your doctor if sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a good night's sleep.
Am sure you will sleep better tonight.
Image by sleep score lab.
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