How to Identify Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis, also known as the “Old Hag Syndrome” is characterized by being fully awake and aware of your surroundings with the inability to move after awaking from sleep or just prior to dozing off to sleep. This experience can be frightening for the individual and is often accompanied by the sensation of someone or something on the chest holding them down. It may be accompanied by sights or sounds in the room, such as shadows or apparitions that appear to be paranormal in nature. Medical professionals attribute this to a glitch in the body’s automatic paralysis that occurs when sleeping to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams. Although frightening for the person experiencing sleep paralysis, the condition is harmless and generally rectifies itself once the sleeper has moved a body part or opened their eyes.

Instructions

1. Take stock of the sensations you experience. If you suspect that your experience is paranormal and not a result of sleep paralysis, analyze the symptoms carefully. Many report “out of body experiences” where they float or travel to other areas. Unless there is verifying evidence that paranormal activity has actually transpired, such as physical evidence or collaborating evidence from another person, chances are the experience was simply sleep paralysis.

2. Concentrate on moving a part of your body, such as your toes or fingers, if you awake and are unable to move. Avoid unnecessary struggles and try to relax. Tell yourself that what you are experiencing is a natural phenomenon of the body as it comes to a complete waking state. Resist the temptation to entertain frightening or bizzare thoughts. Many report drifting off to sleep once they relax and cease struggling.

3. Seek medical advice if the condition becomes a problem or worsens in severity. Although it is harmless, if you are bothered by the condition you may experience the effects of lack of sleep and become overtired or listless during the day. In rare cases, it may be indicative of a sleep disorder that your doctor can identify and treat.

4. Avoid sleeping on your back. Although sleep paralysis occurs most frequently in those who are sleeping on their back, it can occur in any sleeping position. If you find that sleeping on your back is connected to your episode of sleep paralysis, sleeping in a different position may alleviate the problem. Get plenty of rest and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Exercise daily, but avoid exercise too close to bed time. Reducing stress may also be an effective means of controlling sleep paralysis.

Resources

• Old Hag Syndrome