Most people will be unaware of a sleep disorder called sleep paralysis. This is a condition that most of us suffer from at least once in our life, whether we remember it or not. It is a medical condition where a person, on waking up, experiences a sense of paralysis or the inability to move or speak. It is also commonly accompanied by hallucinations, which makes the situation a whole lot scarier. These are 11 facts that look at different aspects of sleep paralysis:
#11 Symptoms of sleep paralysis
Picture for representational purpose only (Source: linkedin.com)
Several studies have consistently proved that people who are exhausted, stressed or sleep-deprived are more likely to experience sleep paralysis. People have been trying for a very long time to understand why one experiences sleep paralysis, but there has been no valid explanation for it so far.
#10 There is no actual danger
There is no denying that sleep paralysis is a scary and horrific experience, but there is no actual danger. It does not cause any physical harm to the body. There have been no clinical deaths reported till now. The idea is to trick yourself into not being scared whenever you experience something like this. Tell yourself that it is just a dream and this is not real. It may feel like forever, but the more you remain positive, the less scary it will be. Reassurance is the key!
#9 You lose control over your body
Picture for representational purpose only (Source: Shutterstock)
No matter how hard you try, even if somehow you are aware when you are in a state of sleep paralysis, you cannot wake your body up. Some people can just move their fingers or wiggle their toes or facial muscles. This eventually helps them wake up, but a majority of people have to patiently wait till it's over. The state of sleep paralysis can last anywhere from 20 seconds to a few minutes.
#8 Historical cases of sleep paralysis
Picture for representational purpose only (Source: WikiCommons)
Researchers have been attempting to explain and understand this phenomenon. Persian medical texts, which date back to the 10th century, also have accounts of sleep paralysis. The first-ever observation of sleep paralysis was made by a Dutch physician in 1664. The physician believed that a 50-year-old woman was suffering from 'nightmares' and it was called thus till the 19th century. Eventually, it was renamed as 'sleep palsy' and then 'sleep paralysis'.
#7 Fuseli's interpretation of sleep paralysis
Painting by Fuseli in the Renaissance period (Source: Alaska Sleep Clinic)
An important historical example of sleep paralysis can be seen in a Renaissance painting by Swiss painter, Henry Fuseli. The demon displays the feeling of extreme pressure on the chest that a person feels when they experience sleep paralysis. This painting is one of Fuseli's best work!
#6 It is NOT a disease!
Picture for representational purpose only (Source: Adventist HealthCare)
Know that this is NOT a disease and is 100% a natural occurrence. Sleep paralysis can happen to anyone. Several studies have revealed that most people have experienced this at least once in their life and are probably unaware of it. The level of intensity of the paralysis varies from person to person. Young adults and people with a history of mental illnesses are more likely to experience sleep paralysis.
#5 Nightmares and hallucinations
Picture for representational purpose only (Source: YouTube)
Symptoms of sleep paralysis include hallucinations and nightmares. However, these are unlike the visuals that you see in your sleep when your eyes are closed. These hallucinations occur when your mind is alert and feels awake. This is what makes the situation twice as scary as we have been conditioned to think that seeing is believing. You feel an added sense of anxiety as you are unable to scream or move.
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