Sleep Paralysis


Last night I had one of the most terrifying bouts of sleep paralysis that I've ever had.  Sleep paralysis occurs in healthy adults when you wake in the middle of REM (rapid eye movement) state, but body paralysis persists. You are fully conscious but unable to move. This paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes and you can hallucinate or hear sounds as well.  In my particular situation, I felt a presence in the room behind me.  It completely creeped me out!  I heard little noises as it was was moving things around on my bed table.  This went on for quite some time and I knew immediately that I was in sleep paralysis because I've had this before.  What made this experience even more terrifying is that after hearing the noises, I felt this presence get into bed behind me and put an arm over me and I visioned a ghostly hand dangling off my shoulder.  That is when I freaked, shut my eyes (at least I dreamed that I shut my eyes), and forced myself back to sleep.  TOTALLY TERRIFYING!

According to The-Sleep-Guide.com
Sleep paralysis can be prevented by -
  • Getting enough sleep every night
  • Going to sleep at the same time each night
  • Following a regular exercise regime although exercise should be avoided too close to bedtime
  • Avoiding stress, especially in the hours before bedtime
So have you ever experienced sleep paralysis?  If so, feel free to share your story in the comments area.

Sweet dreams!  :-)

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