Sleep Paralysis - A Living Nightmare

aineyann (58)in #life • 8 years ago

Introduction

After watching a terrifying documentary titled '' The Nightmare'' I began thinking more on the horrible phenomena that is Sleep Paralysis . I myself, have had three episodes of this terrifying ordeal and it really has been the closest I have come to a paranormal experience. It sounds almost crazy to someone who hasn't experienced it but,in those moments you feel a very unsettling threat from dark forces and if you haven't gone through this then you should be counting your lucky stars that you never do. Still wondering what the heck I am talking about? I advise you to watch the documentary in the link above and get back to me.

What makes this a real horror is the fact it is so very real.

Sleep paralysis is described as a state where the individual briefly experiences in inability to move, speak or react. Sound terrifying and like something out of a horror movie? In fact, it's a true phenomena and it can occur between been awake and been asleep. Our own brain creates the terrifying experience that any one of us can go through.

The fact that the experience can happen while we are all alone, makes it all that more terrifying. Following a study by psychologists at Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania in 2011, they concurred that less than 8% of the general population is affected by sleep paralysis. The harrowing ordeal can carry with it some very unnerving symptoms such as

fully alert to surroundings but an inability to move or speak
feelings of ''a weight'' on the chest area
a choking feeling
hallucinations or the sensation of an evil presence
reports have been made of seeing ghosts, demons and other strange apparitions

Prevention

Ways that I found beneficial in combating sleep paralysis were :

Changes to sleep pattern - Sleeping on your side instead of your back since the supine position will increase the danger of sleep paralysis. To make sure you do not unconsciously roll onto your back upon sleeping, place a ball in your pajama pocket.
Make sure to get more sleep - a minimum of 7 hours per sleep can help in avoiding sleep paralysis. Try to relax with a favorite book , an decreasing or keeping music to a minimum an hour before bed relaxes the mind and can help promote a quiet sleep while also decreasing anxiety levels
Minimize light and sound - Add dark curtains to windows and switch off electronics i.e computers, mobile phones to enhance quality of sleep. Sleep disruption is linked to exposure to TV, phones, and video games before bed.
Set yourself into a routine where you are going to bed at the same time each night to limit sleep dysfunction. this may conjointly assist you in feeling less stressed. Opt for snug sheets and pillows. Lumpy, uncomfortable sleeping surfaces will sacrifice your sleep quality and increase your risks of sleep paralysis.
Drink a Glass of Milk or herb tea such as lemon balm, chamomile or passion flower, it can help in assisting you to relax. Another simple variation - milk, it has a great way in helping aid a better sleep
Keep a Sleep Journal- Keeping a listing of all of your nightmares will offer psychological distance and help track any repeat patterns. It will ultimately predict another episode and assist you keep track of what strategies facilitate waking you up and help keep your mind at ease just in case another episode will occur.

Conclusion

Concentrating on moving your body, like bringing back motion to the smaller regions i.e fingers and toes is a method of forcing yourself awake.

Attempt to move your eyes as sleep paralysis does not stop you from opening your eyes and looking around. So, focus sing on your vision as you take in your surroundings can help snap you out of the situation.
Control your breathing, simply becoming aware of it can prevent panic and simply help train oneself to the realization that you are not under any harm and are in control. Imagine yourself moving and keep that image in your mind is another means of feeling in control and calming .

Stopping sleep paralysis altogether may take time. When experiencing an episode remembering certain techniques can eliminate the stress of the experience as well as stop it all together.