Sleep Paralysis

   Tweet   

---

Sleep paralysis is the feeling of inability to move although you are conscious. This is the phase when the person passes from one phase of sleep to another phase of sleep. It can also occur when the person passes through wakefulness and sleep. During this transition, one cannot move or speak for about few moments which can last from seconds to few minutes. There are few cases when people feel they are being choked or pressured during this time. The sleep paralysis is often present alongside Narcolepsy (disease where the person has overpowering need to sleep because of sleep regulation issues of brain).

There are many theories around the sleep paralysis, but scientists have concluded that sleep paralysis is the sign of inefficient sailing between sleep stages. It is never linked to any underlying psychiatric or psychological illness.  People feel scary and frightened during this time and often complain presence of evil, due to which this is happening.

Factors that lead to Sleep paralysis

Although anyone can get sleep paralysis, there are certain factors which increases the chances of getting sleep paralysis –

1. This is more common in children and teens.
2. If you are sleep deprived, you are more prone to sleep paralysis related issues.
3. Irregular and inefficient sleeping routine can lead to sleep paralysis – people who work in shifts and those who travel a lot, often face this issue.
4. People with narcolepsy are also the ones who have enhanced chances of suffering with sleep paralysis
5. Well, family history also plays important role and you are more prone if someone in your family has sleep paralysis issues.

During the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, the muscles of the body are relaxed till the point of paralysis. This is to keep people away from acting out of their dreams. Two of the important brain chemicals, called glycine and GABA are the reason behind brain paralysis.

There are many a times when people consider the heart beat as footsteps coming towards them. They can also hear the breathing of the bed partner as unnatural hissing sound, etc. This aggravation of things can make you feel possessed with supernatural things.