Sleep Paralysis

By: Jerry A. Greene

There aren't many things scarier than waking up from a dream and not being able to mov

I Can't Move!
When we sleep, our brain turns off most muscle movement in our body. This prevents us from acting out our dreams (under normal conditions). Normally, when we wake up, our body goes back to proper waking-muscular function. Unfortunately, for some people, the brain does not always "sync up" and the body remains paralized for a few seconds before completely returning back to normal. This is the most common cause of sleep paralysis.

An alien has abducted me and is trying to kill me!
Some people claim to feel like an alien, or huge dark-shadowy monster is smothering them. The experience usually is accompanied by lound buzzing sounds similar to a loud "surround-sound" movie type of special effect. Understandably, this can be one of the most horrific things that can happen to you, ESPECIALLY if you don't know of this phenomena. (Which is why I felt it important to write about).

What do I do?
The main thing to remember, when in this position, is to simply relax, try NOT to move, and allow the body to return to normal on its own. Obviously, this can be hard to do because the feeling of not being able to move (and a dark shadow falling over you) can definitely send you into a mental panic! It will usually pass in a few seconds.

I have been told by others that they have felt similar experiences, but without all the "scary" stuff and thought that it was a rather cool feeling. I, myself, have had many different types of sleep paralysis. I understand it to be something that is more common for younger people. Whether you are young, or old, I guess it doesn't matter very much when its happening to you! Again, just try to relax and let it pass. Then sit still for a little while and think about the experience. Even though it was scary at the time, it is something you don't normally get to experience and should be something that you can look at with some sense of awe. (if you are interested in this stuff, which you most likely are if you are reading these articles :) )

Normally, sleep paralysis is not harmful and will only happen on rare occasions. If you are experiencing sleep paralysis on a rather common basis, to the point that they are not more of an "isolated" incident, then you may have a sleeping disorder and you may need to seek a professional for treatment.