Sleep paralysis is the term which defines the temporary inability to move or speak which occurs when you've just woken up or even when you're falling asleep. Although it's isn't physically harmful it can be extremely frightening and increase anxiety.
During an episode of sleep paralysis you might experience a feeling in your chest which leaves you feeling restricted and unable to breath properly. Also you might not be able to open your eyes, however this one varies, some people can some can't. You might also feel like there is an evil entity trying to harm you or there is someone else in your room which can often be a hallucination.
Most of the time sleep paralysis only happens once however if it happens to you regularly you should go see a doctor or a GP. You should also see a doctor if you have anxiety about falling asleep or you are struggling to get the right amount of sleep. If you feel very sleepy due to these episodes or you find yourself falling to sleep during the day or losing muscle control you should also go see a doctor as these are symptoms of a rare sleeping disorder which is called 'narcolepsy'.
There aren't any clear reasons why sleep paralysis occurs but it has been associated with not getting enough sleep, which might be due to a variety of things such as insomnia or just sleep deprivation. It might also be due to irregular sleeping patterns which can be due to travelling, jet lag or working a night shift. Even sleeping on your back has been linked to sleep paralysis although this hasn't been scientifically proven yet. If you struggle with sleep paralysis it might be helpful to talk to family as you might have a family history of sleep paralysis.
Although there isn't a 'cure' for sleep paralysis there are some things which you can do or restrict to decrease the chances of sleep paralysis. This can include sleeping for the correct amount of hours, this can depend of course on age and lifestyle choices. Having a sleeping schedule is also a good idea as it trains your brain to fall asleep at a certain time and wake up at a certain time which of course reduces the chances of sleep paralysis. Another important factor to reducing your chances of sleep paralysis, which might actually seem really obvious, is creating a comfortable sleeping environment which is the correct temperature and the correct environment for you to fall asleep in. Avoid eating big meal, smoking or drinking alcohol or caffeine shortly before going to bed. Also try to exercise regularly, although it isn't the best idea to exercise within four hours of falling asleep.
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EspiritualI hope to educate people on dreams, their meanings and anything else in between with this piece of writing. What I know is based on my own knowledge, my own dreams and a lot of research. You don't have to believe anything that I say but please be re...
