What is the normal course of events during an eposide of sleep paralysis. Is it the result of trying to pull oneself out of a deep sleep because of a very frightening nightmare?
Or does the nightmare occur because of the sleep paralysis and the person begins to awaken?
Also, is it usual to dream of evil spirits during such an episode?
2007-01-09 14:18:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I dont understand the phonema behind it but grew up with it. I noticed it was more likely to happen when something was upsetting me though. The dreams would come in the process of trying to pull myself out of the parilyzing state. I figured out if I could move my toe everything would start working again. Then just stay awake for 15 min to prevent from falling back into it. It seems to go away with time. I have not had it happen for 4 yrs but I stop it as soon as I can before the dream now. I think it has to do with sleeping too deep.
2007-01-09 14:30:19 · answer #1 · answered by JAMI E 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to suffer from this. I do not know if I started to dream before or after the onset of the paralysis. It can be terrifying. I experienced this because of some psych meds I was taking. I am not sure what other causes there may be.
I have only once experienced dreams of evil spirits during one of these episodes. I dreamed about a demon who was torturing me. I do know that this is a common occurence with sleep paralysis though. It is thought that many people who believe they have been abducted by aliens from their beds at night have actually experienced an episode of sleep paralysis and the visions of aliens were part of the dream.
2007-01-09 14:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by Betsy Jayne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Oobily,
I experience some awful nightmares, but the term "night terrors" is usually used in reference to children, who have them at the beginnings of sleep, before the REM cycle begins. It is, however, existant in adults as well. A lot of what you described in your other questions would point toward night terrors. Nightmares are very different than night terrors; they are much more personalized. Night terrors are more universal fears - demons, creepy-crawlies, spiders, wolves, etc.. Sleep paralysis occurs during the transition between REM sleeping (dream sleeping) and being fully awake. If you are taking any anti-anxiety medications or are sleep-deprived the chances of sleep paralysis continuing are heightened. Both sleep paralysis and night terrors involve visceral fears: evil spirits are common and the confusion can last many minutes (seems like a lifetime to the sufferer). It seems one of the best treatments for this is to remember to MOVE a part of your body in the half-dream state, a toe, a finger, something. I have never experienced sleep paralysis but it sounds like an absolutely traumatizing experience. Often, underlying anxieties accompany night terrors and sleep paralysis, but anything that deepens sleep could contribute to it. Drinking, a snoring partner, sleep deprivation, obesity, also play a part. The main study done on night terrors (in children) observed that 49% who had them suffered from nighttime breathing obstructions. If you are experiencing them, you should check with your doctor and let him/her have you sent to a sleep clinic to determine whether or not you many have sleep apnea. It's awfully important, because sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, etc. 43 of the children in the study had tonsillectomies and didn't show any signs of confusion arousal or terrors after them (all 43). Perhaps this is something you (or yours) can check into as well.
I checked online and this website has some fine ideas for treatment, and can explain these phenomenons more in-depth:
http://www.wintersteel.com/Sleep_Paralysis.html
All the best. I hope these end for you ASAP.
2007-01-10 12:27:18 · answer #3 · answered by Me, Thrice-Baked 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what the real answer is about this, but there are many theories. Of course, the ones you have mentioned, but I also read that it happens because you are having an out of body experience and can't get back quick enough. I don't think I believe that one, but they are all just theories, so who knows? I have had it happen but not with the nightmares. I found that if you can just relax during this time, you move around as normal much quicker. I think that if we panic it only makes it worse. I do hope you can get an scientific answer for this phenomenia, but I'm not sure there is one.
2007-01-09 14:33:51 · answer #4 · answered by smcdevitt2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if the paralysis is caused by the dream or vice versa. Evil spirits and entities are a hall mark of this condition, though. Many people report one or two entities, sometimes an old woman that sits on their chest and prevents them from breathing or screaming.
2007-01-09 14:24:24 · answer #5 · answered by roknrolr63 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only had them a few times when I was pregnant. It was very weird, I was both awake AND asleep.
I didn't do the demons (Although I hear that is common)
I DID have cockroaches pulling on on my blankets getting me tangled and tied in them, trying to pull me to the floor to get me.
I had the possessed cowl of batman fluttering around the dark corners of my room threatening to kill me.
I could feel the feet of a cat walk on me and hold me down (We didn't have a cat)
What I have heard is that the part of the brain that holds your body still while you dream is activated, so your brain holds your body still- but you are only half dream state- still aware of the noises and going-on of the environment. Because you cannot move, and you are already half- dreaming- all sorts of weird dream stuff starts to happen, mixed into the reality of your environment.
This link is for kids, and not exactly the same thing, but I thought I would include it
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/night_terrors/article_em.htm
2007-01-09 14:34:33 · answer #6 · answered by There you are∫ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people also "see" aliens during sleep paralysis and are not about to move or scream.
2007-01-09 14:25:57 · answer #7 · answered by Rose 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
when you are asleep your body is in a paralized state well for most people unless they are sleep walkers!! In dreams you may be trying to run away or swim away anything of the sort your body feels weighted down from this paralization!!
2007-01-09 14:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by Karen B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2015-05-23 08:05:15 · answer #9 · answered by newportrichey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out the post "sleep paralysis" at
http://spirita.blogspot.com/
I hope you'll find it helpful
2007-01-10 01:28:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋