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TAPS
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Sleep
Paralysis
The Scientific Explanation...
The medical establishment is quite aware of this phenomenon,
but has a less sensational name than "old hag syndrome" for
it. They call it "sleep paralysis" or SP (sometimes ISP for
"isolated sleep paralysis").
So what causes it? Dr. Max Hirshkowitz, director of the Sleep
Disorders Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center
in Houston, says that sleep paralysis occurs when the brain
is in the transition state between deep, dreaming sleep (known
as REM sleep for its rapid eye movement) and waking up. During
REM dreaming sleep, the brain has turned off most of the body's
muscle function so we cannot act out our dreams - we are temporarily
paralyzed.
"Sometimes your brain doesn't fully switch off those dreams
- or the paralysis - when you wake up," Hirshkowitz told ABC
News. "That would explain the 'frozen' feeling and hallucinations
associated with sleep paralysis." According to his research,
the effect only really lasts from a few seconds to as long as
a minute, but in this half-dream half-awake state, to the victim
it can seem much longer.
In her article, "Help! I Can't Move!," Florence Cardinal, About.com's
Guide Sleep Disorders, writes: "Sleep paralysis is often accompanied
by vivid hallucinations. There may be a sense someone is in
the room, or even hovering over you. At other times, there seems
to be pressure on the chest, as though someone or something
perched there. There may even be sexual attacks associated with
the hallucinations. The sound of footsteps, doors opening and
closing, voices, all can be a very frightening part of sleep
paralysis. These are known as Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Experiences
and they are what make people dread an episode of sleep paralysis."
- For all their explanations, however, the sleep experts still
do not know what causes the brain to screw up like this, or
why some people experience it more than others. But there are
some theories:
- "Episodes of paralysis can occur when the body is in any position,
but happen most frequently when the sleeper is lying flat on
his or her back. Intense fear is common, but sometimes other
strong emotions, such as sadness or anger, are present," says
Florence Cardinal in "The Terror of Sleep Paralysis."
- For some, SP is often brought about by not getting enough
sleep or being overtired.
- Likewise, disrupted sleep schedules or circadian rhythm disturbances
can produce an episode of sleep paralysis.
- It is more common in people who suffer from severe anxiety
or bipolar disorder.
- Some research shows that SP is five times more likely to occur
with people who are taking such anti-anxiety drugs as Xamax
or Valium.
- A study found that 35 percent of subjects with isolated sleep
paralysis also report a history of wake panic attacks unrelated
to the experience of paralysis.
How can you prevent sleep paralysis? According to clinical research,
you may be able to minimize the episodes by following good sleep
hygiene:
- get enough sleep
- reduce stress
- exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime)
- keep a regular sleep schedule
"For some people this may not be possible, however," says Florence
Cardinal, "so instead let's look at ways to escape from the
grip of sleep paralysis. The best remedy is to will yourself
to move, even if it's only the wiggling of your little finger.
This is often sufficient to break the spell. If you can manage
it, scream! Your roommate may not appreciate it, but it's better
than suffering through a long and fear-filled episode. If all
else fails, seek professional help.
"Sounds like good advice. The bottom line is that you really
have nothing to fear, in a paranormal sense, from sleep paralysis.
That old hag you feel perched on your chest may be nothing more
than the anxiety of living in a stressful world.
Thanks to About.com for this helpful article.
-
Grant (TAPS)
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