Webmd defines sleep paralysis as being conscious but unable to move and it happens when the person is between stages of wakefulness and sleep. Sleep paralysis episodes make the person unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes and they might even feel pressure.
My first experience with sleep paralysis happened when I was 17 years old.
I got home from college and took a nap after a long stressful day, but the nap turned into an awful experience when I was trying to get up but couldn't move my body, couldn't scream, and even heard horrible voices.
I had no idea what was going on, I was scared but I didn't tell anyone. I struggled with sleep paralysis for years without knowing what it really was.
Fear of it caused me insomnia and that led me to other health issues.
I learned about sleep paralysis by coincidence when I was watching a documentary about art and sleep disorders.
How to manage sleep paralysis?
Improving my sleep schedule and controlling my stress and anxiety helped a lot. I never force myself to sleep.
I also try practicing yoga and meditation daily.
Being physically active really helps.
My attempts to minimize sleep paralysis episodes were successful, I reduced the times of suffering from this horrible disorder.
If you know someone suffering from sleep paralysis, please know that it's a real issue and it affects the quality of life.
Sleep paralysis definition, causes, and symptoms:
Sleep paralysis is a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep according to WebMD.
Sleep paralysis occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep.
Sleep paralysis happens when you are waking up or falling asleep. Your body is in sleep mode but your brain is active according to NHS.
Celebrities and sleep paralysis:
Supermodel Kendall Jenner talked about her experience with sleep paralysis and said "I'm freaking out because recently I woke up in the middle of the night and I couldn't move."
Singer Zara Larsson who also suffers from sleep paralysis told the BBC: "Oh my God, it's scary! Basically, you wake up and you literally cannot move. Your brain is active, but your body is not yet awake."
Sleep paralysis is something that terrifies me but I do my best to control it naturally. But if it is too much to handle then please consult a specialized doctor. Take care of yourself.
Causes of sleep paralysis:
According to NHS, the causes can vary between insomnia, disrupted sleeping patterns, (PTSD), anxiety, panic, and even a family history of sleep paralysis.
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