Ever Wondered Why You Suddenly Wake Up At Night But You're Unable To Move
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to move.
- STORY BY Cheryl John
- 11 months ago
- COMMENTS
A good night's sleep depends on many factors and there is a lot to sleep than we generally know about. There are many theories that you will find on the internet about the right or wrong way of sleeping to the sleeping positions to the correct time when one must sleep or wake up. But there hardly are any articles written on the bizarre things related to sleep.
Many people experience the problem of suddenly waking up in the middle of the night while being unable to do anything. They wake up in the middle of the night with their eyes closed but they cannot move. Have you ever felt anything like this in your life?
While all this might seem like a scene out of a horror book, it turns out this is true. And this happens a lot of times.
Why does this happen? Read below to find out!
This is what happens.
I read somewhere in the Business Insider that various social and psychological factors influence the prevalence of sleep paralysis. A 2011 paper that combined 35 studies with more than 36,000 participants total found that 7.6% of the general population experiences sleep paralysis. These people include students who have a disrupted sleep pattern and people with mental disorders, like anxiety and depression.
But if the brain is awake how can the body not move?
It all roots down to the three or four stages of non-REM which is also known as the rapid eye movement. It is possible to dream in all the darn stages of sleep, but the dreams experienced in REM sleep appear to be more real. The dreams where you feel like you are falling somewhere, they are realistic aren't they?
The brain is highly active during the REM sleep.
People tend to be paralyzed even.
Many believe that the body is not able to act as well. This is called REM antonia.
This effect however tends to last a few minutes or seconds.
Many people even feel some kind of a presence around too. Researchers tell that this usually happens to people who are depressed or sad.
Much to your surprise, there are different types of sleep paralysis.
The three types of hallucinations that can occur are "incubus", "intruder", and "unusual bodily experiences".
1. Incubus
People feel intense pressure on their chest and they feel they cannot breathe. This is mainly because they are scared.
2. Intruder
This sleep paralysis gives the feeling of a presence, fear, and visual and auditory hallucinations. Even a slight sound can give you the fright of your life.
3. Unusual body experiences.
People who experience sleep paralysis feel like they are levitating or flying around the room. This type of sleep paralysis is different because different areas of the brain are active at the time the person is half sleeping.
However, prevention is difficult with sleep paralysis.
Researchers have found that sleeping on the side can reduce sleep paralysis.
What are your experiences with sleep paralysis?
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