How to identify sleep paralysis.

In this article, I will define sleep paralysis and describe the specific symptoms associated with this mental phenomenon.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Sleep paralysis is an over production, or early release, of the sleep hormones that cause our bodies to temporarily be paralyzed so that we do not act out our dreams.
   
   Your body secretes these hormones before the mind is actually asleep, or it produces so much that the effects are felt after you awake, therefore creating an altered state of reality.
   
   Sleep walking is exhibited when the body does not produce enough of these hormones.
2. Most sufferers report experiencing these episodes while sleeping on their back. Often times, the eyes are open. The sufferer can hear and see their surroundings, but cannot move most of their body. Occasionally, a person may rotate the eyes and wiggle the digits. They do not have control over their breathing, as it is in a shallow sleep state. Many claim to feel like they are suffocating or being choked. In the person's mind, often, there is an evil presence surrounding them and they are in imminent danger. After what seems to be several minutes to an hour, although it normally is only 15 seconds to one minute, they are suddenly released from bondage with a deep, desperate gasp for air and a violent jerk of their entire body. The sufferer is usually too frightened to return to sleep for several hours, even days.
3. In rare occurrences, sufferers experience "evil" hallucinations. They see demons or monster type apparitions. They report the creature sitting or pressing on their chest and trying to kill them. Many people who claim to have been abducted by aliens have experienced sleep paralysis.
4. Although great advances in the discovery and explanation of sleep paralysis has been achieved over the last thirty years, there is little treatment, other than avoiding sleep on ones back.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid sleep paralysis, never sleep on your back.