It is one of the most terrifying conditions known to mankind. Sleep Paralysis, the frightening ordeal of waking up suddenly at night, temporarily unable to move a muscle or speak. For some it is mild but others experience horrifying visions and sensations during their sleep paralysis. Here are a few things that you need to know about Sleep Paralysis.

It is more common than you think. According to a study conducted in 2011, in which 3600 people were asked if they experienced sleep paralysis, a shocking 65% of the people said that they had.! Research undertaken by the sleep paralysis project found that certain social groups tend to be more at risk into falling victims of this frightening disorder. Studies showed that the common range of age between which people experience this condition is around 16 years to 43 years of age. Although it is reported that people younger and older this range have been experiencing sleep paralysis.

You cannot wake yourself up! Some people have mastered a practice called lucid dreaming in which they can retain a certain amount of control and consciousness while they are dreaming, allowing them to wake themselves up from a nightmare. But unfortunately, this does not work for sleep paralysis. It occurs when a person is halfway between being awake and rem sleep which means they are not technically dreaming as their eyes are open and their senses are still alert. It is believed that people try to wiggle their toes to wake themselves up which is of no use and have to wait till it finishes.

You may see things that you do not like. Some people report very frightening visions and sensations during their paralysis state. For example many people report feeling a weight on their chest during the sleep paralysis as though an invisible being is pinning them on to the bed while others report hearing voices in the room. Many people report that they actually see figures in the room with them that could be dark shadows moving around them while the victims are completely unable to move.

People see the same things. One of the most terrifying facts about sleep paralysis is that people from many different parts of the world, who do not have any contact with each other, have reported seeing the same thing during their episodes. The most commonly reported apparition is an old hag. Many authors and psychiatrists who have studied sleep paralysis have noted that many of their patients reported seeing a hideous old woman who takes pleasure in the fear and panic she is causing and laughing while their victims lie there. This is nothing new. Throughout the history of sleep paralysis she has been described. In fact, in Scandinavian folklore the belief is that sleep paralysis is brought by a fallen woman who has left her own body to terrify the people in their beds. This entity is referred to as “Mare” in Scandinavia. The word “Nightmare” originated from this term. This reoccurring apparition has led many to believe that sleep paralysis is supernatural in nature rather than medical as it is very difficult to come up with an explanation as to why people see the same entity over and over again.

We do know how to treat it. Doctors have found that it is quite easy to treat. Studies show that the reason for experiencing sleep paralysis is not getting enough of sleep. Without enough rem sleep, the brain finds it hard to switch off which results in the phase between sleep and being awake and this is when sleep paralysis is known to occur. Also high levels of anxiety and stress are known to trigger the attacks and even eating big meals and alcohol before going to bed can trigger it. It is recommended that you truly relax and switch off all your worries before going to sleep. Also it is preferred that you get 6-8 hours of sleep.

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