What happens when you experience sleep paralysis?
Find out what sleep paralysis is and how to avoid it. The disturbing phenomenon is frightening to many people.
2023-10-26T18:55:10+00:00
- What is sleep paralysis?
- Understanding this eerie phenomenon.
- How you can avoid it.
Certainly, it’s an experience that many of us have encountered at some point in our lives, and for many, it can be downright terrifying.
Those who’ve lived through this sensation often describe it as feeling as though there’s a person on top of them, rendering them temporarily immobile.
This phenomenon is commonly referred to in Spanish as ‘se te subió el muerto’ and in English as ‘old hag’ syndrome and, like most things, it has a rational explanation.
While it may last just a few seconds for some, for others, it can feel like an eternity.
What does ‘old hag’ syndrome mean?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the brain goes through various stages during sleep.
Our nervous system enters a state of relaxation, ensuring our body has the required energy when we wake up.
In theory, this all sounds beneficial, but there are times when various factors disrupt our ability to enjoy a restful sleep.
One of these factors is experiencing ‘old hag’ syndrome, which is sleep paralysis.
What is sleep paralysis?
So, what precisely is sleep paralysis?
This condition is frequently encountered by medical professionals, nurses, security personnel and even soldiers.
What they all have in common is irregular working hours that disturb their normal sleep patterns.
According to the UNAM Gazette, sleep paralysis induces immobility or a sense of incapacity that temporarily renders you unable to speak or move.
What’s the explanation?
The explanation for sleep paralysis, colloquially referred to in Spanish as ‘se te subió el muerto,’ is straightforward.
During this state, the brain is in an altered state of consciousness, while the body’s muscles remain active.
This disconnect prevents the brain from sending mobility signals to the rest of the body.
Experiencing panic during this sensation is normal, but the silver lining is that it typically doesn’t last more than 10 minutes.
Can you prevent this condition?
The National Autonomous University of Mexico offers several recommendations worth considering.
First, it is advisable to maintain proper sleep hygiene, which helps reduce the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis.
Equally important, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, refraining from using electronic devices before bedtime and avoiding sleeping on your back are also essential.
A final suggestion
What should you do when you encounter sleep paralysis? Above all, remain calm, as the instinctive reaction is often an attempt to get up.
Next, take deep breaths and close your eyes to avoid hallucinations, according to Debate.
Last, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and, most importantly, pay attention to when your body needs rest.
With Halloween just around the corner, this sensation is the closest most people come to feeling the grasp of death. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t happen to you.
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