It is horryfying when one experienced a scary phenomenon of having to wake up but finding that you cannot move your body at all. Breathing is difficult. This horror lasts for minutes, but it seems like hours. This is called sleep paralysis.
Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs when you are waking up or falling asleep. Its not harmful and should pass in a few seconds or minutes, but can be very frightening.
The cause of sleep paralysis remains unclear but it is likely caused by the interruption of the transition ofdifferent sleep stages.
During the familiar sleep stage of REM (rapid eye movement), the body normally goes into a paralyzed state called REM atonia. This should prevent people from moving or reacting violently, thereby protecting the body, when dreams set in.
However, there are times when the paralysis state remains even when the REM stage is over. Once you wake up, you become conscious but your body cannot move at all.
How to Prevent Sleep Paralysis
Prevention is difficult with sleep paralysis. That is because it can be hereditary and because it is linked to the whole bunch of other sleeping and health issues. However, there are some things a person can do to help with the problem.
No Back Sleeping
Researchers have found that sleeping on the side can reduce the event of sleep paralysis. Some sufferers even wear special clothing so that it is uncomfortable for the body to position naturally onto the back during sleep.
Focus
If a person does wake up and find they cannot move, they need to concentrate on moving a digit. Try to move a finger or a toe and focus on that. Once a muscle moves, the paralysis is broken.
Source: elitereaders
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