Sleep paralysis is an extremely unpleasant condition that occurs at the moment of awakening or falling asleep. Psychotherapist, somnologist Elena Kolesnichenko said that its appearance may be accompanied by prolonged stress.
With sleep paralysis, for some time a person is on the verge of sleep and wakefulness. He is conscious but unable to move or speak. He clearly feels someone else's presence in the room and feels like someone or something is pressing on his chest, strangling him. Usually you want to scream, but you can't.
Prolonged stress, depression and a number of other factors can lead to the development of sleep paralysis.
Dream images are woven into reality. In most cases, they are frightening: mythical creatures, monsters. Because of this mystical effect, sleep paralysis is also called the syndrome of the old witch,, the expert noted for Moscow 24.
Symptoms of sleep paralysis:
- inability to move or speak;
- consciousness;
- a feeling of pressure on the chest and neck;
- bright hallucinations;
- headache and muscle pain.
< li>panic attack;
What does the thing that causes sleep paralysis look like according to the stories of the “victims”?
According to the researchers, as a rule, the stories are divided into three categories.
“The Uninvited Guest” . A person clearly hears the sound of steps and an opening door, “sees” the shadow of a person, feels someone else's presence. Some say that they clearly feel how the “guest” sits on the bed.
“Demon”. Feels like a creature from the underworld. Many “see” brownies. Very vivid sensations of threat, heaviness on the chest, sometimes sexual violence.
“Exit to the astral plane”. Feeling out of the body, you can “see” yourself from above.
The cause of sleep paralysis can be:
- chronic lack of sleep, when you consistently sleep far less than 7-8 hours a night;
- neurological problems;
- sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea;
- prolonged sleep deprivation ;
- the habit of sleeping on your back;
- certain medications;
- use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine shortly before bedtime;
- heredity.
According to experts, students and those who are under severe stress most often suffer from sleep paralysis.< br>
How to minimize the occurrence of sleep paralysis:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time.
- Give up bad habits.
- Sleep in a cool room.
- Do not sleep on your back.
- Get enough sleep .
< li>Be active during the day.
Sleep paralysis is safe – scientists
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Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.