We naturally experience paralysis every night when we sleep. This is necessary to prevent the sleeper from acting out their dreams, which could lead them to harm to themselves and their partner. During the rapid eye movement sleep phase, our bodies produce chemicals that flow down the spinal cord and paralyze the body. However, part of the brain sometimes wakes up prematurely. Three experts, including Brian Sharpless and Baland Jalal, who are regular researchers in this field, told The Cut about the causes of this condition and methods for combating it.
Sharpless and his colleagues discovered a genetic mutation that can increase the likelihood that a person will experience sleep paralysis. However, the causes are usually linked to one’s lifestyle (e.g., sleep disturbances, alcohol consumption, stress, and anxiety). Doctors usually address this issue by recommending meditation and relaxation. If sleep paralysis has occurred, scientists advise the following:
1. Close your eyes (to avoid seeing monsters).
2. Remember that sleep paralysis is a common condition and is nothing to fear.
3. Think about something positive. Praying helps many people.
4. Focus on a specific part of your body, such as your pinky toe.
5. Tell yourself, “I’m experiencing sleep paralysis.” Add some humor—think of it as an unreal, supernatural event.
It’s worth adding that sleep paralysis is one of the phase states and that it’s possible to transition from sleep paralysis into a lucid dream. Experts have noted the connection between these phenomena, too. However, sleep paralysis often (though not always) involves hallucinations, which scare people and fuel legends about demons.
If you’ve experienced sleep paralysis, what did you do during the episode?
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