Sleep paralysis stories like mine are surprisingly common. How many people experience sleep paralysis? Sleep scientists believe that sleep paralysis may occur when the transitions in and out of REM sleep and other sleep stages don’t go smoothly. So your body and brain are temporarily out of sync while transitioning between sleep stages, potentially creating a frightening experience. And during this time, you might also experience what’s known as sleep hallucinations, or dreams while you’re awake. One explanation for this atonia is that it prevents injury from acting out your dreams in bed.ĭuring sleep paralysis, the atonia starts, or continues, while you’re awake. When you enter the REM stage of sleep, your brain stops your muscles from moving – known as REM atonia. However, scientists do have a theory about what goes on during sleep paralysis.ĭuring the night, you cycle through different sleep stages. The exact reason for why it happens to some people and only on some nights isn’t known. And although it may feel like it at the time, it’s not believed by medical organizations to be harmful. It typically lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes before movement is regained. It might also be accompanied by hallucinations or dreams/nightmares whilst still awake. The main symptom is being awake and unable to move your body. Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis is classified as a parasomnia, which is a group of sleep disorders involving unwanted behaviors that accompany sleep. It was a classic case of sleep paralysis. And I was then able to stumble to the bathroom to make sure my face wasn’t decorated with demonic symbols. Fortunately, there was no demon, ghost or burglar in my bedroom.Īfter a minute’s panic, the feeling passed. This happened to me last year and was a very unsettling experience. Regardless, you just feel that there’s a presence there. Even though you seem to be able to move your eyes just a little, it’s too dark to see anyway. You’re not sure who or what is pushing on your chest. And not only is your whole body paralyzed, but you can’t so much as move your lips to call out for help. You feel a weight on your chest, pressing you down and preventing you from sitting up. And in the darkness of your bedroom, it slowly dawns on you that you can’t move your body…and that someone, or something, is watching you. Imagine the following scenario: it’s been a long day, you go to bed later than usual and fall asleep quickly through sheer exhaustion.īut instead of waking up peacefully in the morning, you half wake in the middle of the night. Or if science can provide a logical and comforting explanation. Then we’ll take a closer look at whether sleep paralysis demons or ghosts really exist. If not, I’ll first share one of mine to give you an understanding of what it can be like. Perhaps you have one or two of these disturbing tales of your own to tell. Sleep paralysis stories typically involve unusual and frightening experiences.
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