This is probably the first time you’re hearing about Sleep Paralysis but once you know what it is, most of you will be able to relate to this concept. Not many are aware of what this is and tend to associate it to something paranormal. Sleep paralysis can be experienced during the transition from sleep to waking consciousness or from waking consciousness to sleep. During sleep paralysis, the person experiences pressure on chest, abdomen & throat and most often feel like somebody is stopping them from moving. Apart from this they might hear a lot of voices and footsteps and also experience shortness of breath due to the suffocation that can happen during the paralysis. Usually a person experiencing sleep paralysis wakes up with a lot of fear. It mostly occurs if you’re under immense stress or have disturbed sleep cycles due to shift work, narcolepsy, jetlag, etc.

Here are a few techniques that can help prevent the occurrence of sleep paralysis:

1.       Don’t expose yourself to any kind of electronic gadget an hour before you hit the bed.

2.       Reduce or completely eliminate the intake of caffeine in your diet.

3.       Remember to sleep on your side and not on your back.

4.       Avoid heavy dinners and alcohol before sleep.

5.       Avoid lighting in your bedroom when you sleep.

6.       Get comfortable pillows and mattress.

7.       Make your room sound-proof to improve the quality of your sleep.

8.       Regularize your sleeping pattern

Most of the time, people don’t know how to respond or get themselves out of the state of sleep paralysis. The following are techniques you should try:

·         Wiggle your extremities i.e. your fingers & toes

·         Try to cough as this helps your body to come out of its paralytic state and regain full consciousness

·       Try calming yourself saying it’s just a temporary paralytic state and move your facial muscles to frown or even scrunch up your face – this has proved to help quite a few people

·         Clench your fist firmly & tightly until you feel ok

Once you’re out of sleep paralysis, get out of your bed, turn on the lights and wash your face with cold water. Meditate for a while and sleep only after taking a few long breaths. If you don’t refresh yourself, there is a high chance of sleep paralysis occuring again.

References:

http://dreamstudies.org/2010/0 4/29/9-ways-to-wake-up-from-sleep-paralysis/

http://www.world-of-lucid-drea ming.com/how-do-i-avoid-sleep- paralysis.html