Have you ever encountered an incident where you cannot move your body, fingers, and legs, likewise, without knowing whether you are awake or just in deep slumber..You cannot simply move. You want to shout but no words comes out..You want to strech your legs and move even just your finger tips but you CAN't?
I've been to this situation thrice already. Twice last year and somewhere in 2005 the first attack happened. During that time I was the only one left in the apartment, I came from a self-awakening activity (part of our Psychology class). Hence, I don't have enough sleep and I was indeed physically and emotionally tired. The moment I arrived home, I went direct to bed and sleep. After a few hours, I was awakened and wanted to get out from bed but I cannot move, as if my body was nailed into the bed more so i cannot call for help since no words would came out on my mouth. Worst, is I even saw my "spirit" goes out of my body. Yes my "spirit." I feared that I would die..Thus, I just recited the Lord's prayer silently and within a few seconds I was able to move my legs..Thanks to the power of prayer..I know it did something so that not to worsen the situation.
The second attack was here in Cebu already. It just lasted about 10 seconds. I was calm during this time . And just like the first one, just after a glimpse I was able to move again..Then the third one followed weeks after the 2nd incident.
With the two consecutive attacks, I decided to search thru internet the situation I was into..I know it is a sleeping disorder but I am not sure of what really it is it until I encountered the word " sleep paralysis" thus the description is in match of what happened to me. I immediately search for its causes as well as its prevention or does it need experts medication.
Hence, just want to share something about what I learned regarding sleep paralysis :
What is sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis consists of a period of inability to perform voluntary movements either at sleep onset (called hypnogogic or predormital form) or upon awakening (called hypnopompic or postdormtal form). What are the symptoms? = A complaint of inability to move the trunk or limbs at sleep onset or upon awakening = Presence of brief episodes of partial or complete skeletal muscle paralysis = Episodes can be associated with hypnagogic hallucinations or dream-like mentation (act or use of the brain)
Is it harmful?
Sleep paralysis is most often associated with narcolepsy, a neurological condition in which the person has uncontrollable naps. However, there are many people who experience sleep paralysis without having signs of narcolepsy. Sometimes it runs in families. There is no known explanation why some people experience this paralysis. It is not harmful, although most people report feeling very afraid because they do not know what is happening, and within minutes they gradually or abruptly are able to move again; the episode is often terminated by a sound or a touch on the body.
What else can you tell me about sleep paralysis?
= Some people with disrupted sleep schedules or circadian rhythm disturbances experience sleep paralysis
= A study found that 35% of subjects with isolated sleep paralysis also reported a history of wake panic attacks unrelated to the experience of paralysis
= Sixteen percent of these persons with isolated sleep paralysis met the criteria for panic disorder
How can I stop the sleep paralysis?
In severe cases, where episodes take place at least once a week for 6 months, medication may be used. You may be able to minimize the episodes by following good sleep hygiene: getting enough sleep, reduce stress, exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime) and keep a regular sleep schedule. (http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/paralysis.html)
Thank God its not that harmful and just considered to be a normal incident. But as they say.."prevention is better than cure." Hope I was able to share something beneficial! =)
