Have you ever woken up yet been unable to move or speak? If so, you might have experienced sleep paralysis. During sleep paralysis an individual can open his/her eyes but cannot conceive movement. Although it brings no physical harm, the individual often feels frightened and helpless. This goes on for several minutes until the person either gradually or abruptly is able to regain movement.
Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), the sleeping stage in which dreaming takes place and the muscles become immobile. When this sleeping stage is interrupted you regain awareness of your surroundings while still being unable to move. The person often feel anxious, experiences frightening hallucinations, hears eerie sounds and is easily frightened by inanimate objects such as Kardy from 9A recalls from her past experience, “the door scared the daylights out of me.” These occurrences, as it seems, may be more common than thought of.
The most frightening of these experiences tend to include what has come to be known as the “The Old Hag,” a hallucination consisting of petrifying figures and shadows. People feel as if there is someone perched on their chest, preventing them from breathing properly, or can feel a presence close by. They may see a shadow or a daunting looking creature starring at them from above or besides. These experiences greatly differ from person to person but always consist of the same haunting fear. Although these hallucinations all have scientific explanations, some people believe they involve evil demons and spirits.
Although sleep paralysis brings no physical harm, it leaves its victims petrified and with bone chilling fear. You can prevent this occurrence by keeping a regular sleeping schedule and staying away from stress, while other times it is less preventable if accompanied by other sleeping disorders. If ever faced with this experience it is best to simply sleep on your torso rather than your back or side, and always keep as calm as possible.
The most frightening of these experiences tend to include what has come to be known as the “The Old Hag,” a hallucination consisting of petrifying figures and shadows. People feel as if there is someone perched on their chest, preventing them from breathing properly, or can feel a presence close by. They may see a shadow or a daunting looking creature starring at them from above or besides. These experiences greatly differ from person to person but always consist of the same haunting fear. Although these hallucinations all have scientific explanations, some people believe they involve evil demons and spirits.
Although sleep paralysis brings no physical harm, it leaves its victims petrified and with bone chilling fear. You can prevent this occurrence by keeping a regular sleeping schedule and staying away from stress, while other times it is less preventable if accompanied by other sleeping disorders. If ever faced with this experience it is best to simply sleep on your torso rather than your back or side, and always keep as calm as possible.
Article By: Raquel Galvan
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