The Surprisingly Common Sleep State That’s Like a Waking Nightmare
In this article, the author discusses the phenomenon of sleep paralysis, a common human experience that can leave people feeling trapped and terrified. According to psychologist Brian Sharpless, sleep paralysis is a parasomnia, a sleep disorder that affects at least eight percent of the general population, and is more common among university students and those with psychiatric conditions.
Sleep paralysis is characterized by a feeling of being unable to move or speak while experiencing vivid hallucinations, often accompanied by a sensed presence of another person or entity. Sharpless, who has written a book on the subject, describes his own experience of sleep paralysis, which left him feeling paralyzed and trapped with a hallucinated snake-like creature in his bedroom.
The article explores the reasons behind sleep paralysis, including the activation of the brain’s motor neurons during REM sleep, which can lead to muscle atonia, or paralysis. It also discusses the role of sleep position, with people who sleep on their backs being more likely to experience sleep paralysis, and the connection between sleep paralysis and other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
The article also touches on the ways in which people can try to snap out of sleep paralysis, including trying to move smaller body parts or using relaxation techniques, and the potential risk of developing a fear response or sleep terror. Finally, it highlights the importance of good sleep hygiene, including regular sleep schedules, a consistent sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants and substances that can disrupt sleep.
Overall, the article provides a fascinating look at a lesser-known aspect of human experience, and the ways in which our brains and bodies can experience strange and unsettling phenomena while we sleep.