My First Sleep Paralysis

I experienced sleep paralysis for the first time at University. I woke up rolled up in a spider’s web, unable to move. I looked around the room bewildered. As I tried to free myself a giant spider appeared. That’s when I woke up. I was sweating, scared and confused. It must have been a nightmare I thought, yet it was so real, so vivid. I can still remember feeling the spider’s tentacles on my skin as it moved closer to my face. I kept experiencing sleep paralysis as the years went on. Once I encountered a ghost, another a gremlin and recently Vin Diesel. Yes, Vin Diesel you read correctly!

I admit these experiences were terrifying at first. I was even scared of going back to sleep. Then one day, while speaking to my mother, I found out that she was experiencing sleep paralysis herself. It is thought that sleep paralysis is genetic. But I decided to find out more.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon in which an individual experiences inability to move, speak or react while hallucinating. This happens falling asleep or awakening. The interesting part is that even if you see everything around you very clearly, in reality, you have not opened your eyes. It is all a dream.

Over the centuries, people have been trying to explain sleep paralysis. The first case dates back to 1664, a Dutch physician diagnosed a woman with a Night-Mare. According to the report, the paralysis was caused by demons and spiritual possession. Today, doctors still don’t have a clear explanation for it.

Ways to avoid sleep paralysis

I experience sleep paralysis if one of the following happens:

I am dehydrated

I am sleep deprived

Sleep on my back

To avoid encounters with Vin Diesel et al, I try to drink a lot of water before going to sleep. I stay away from salty or sugary drinks/foods that can dehydrate me during the night. I sleep on my side and try to get regular sleep.

Conclusion

Sleep paralysis is very common. It can be daunting, but with time it gets better. When it happens to me today I roll my eyes and wait to wake up. As for when I see Vin Diesel, well then I really panic!