A2 Media

1. SLEEP PARALYSIS
RESEARCH
BY SARA AVRAMOVSKA

2. What is Sleep Paralysis? Hypnagogic and
Hypnopompic!
■ The original definition of Sleep Paralysis was defined by Samuel Johnson and it connotes term
that evolved into a modern English. NIGHTMARES. It is considered as the work of demons and
incubi: ‘’ An incubus is a demon in male form who, according to mythological and legendary
traditions, lies upon sleepers, especially women, in order to engage in sexual activity with them.
Its female counterpart is the succubus.’’ Sleep paralysis is a term used to resemble the feeling of
a presence of a supernatural evil figure/character appearing and most commonly described to
be sitting on the individuals chest. Ether while falling asleep or awakening. (HYPNOPOMIC or
POSTDROMITAL) The inability to ether move, speak or react is the most common among the
sleep paralysis symptoms as it is the transitional state between sleep and wakefulness. It is often
caused by muscle atonia in other words muscle weakness, lack of strength.
. ‘’The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli
is thought to resemble sleep
paralysis. (1781)

3. …
■ The helplessness and vulnerability to defend yourself, can truly
intensify the sleep paralysis experience above the level of
typical and normal dreams. This cold explain the reasoning
behind why Sleep Paralysis hallucinations by the intruder are
incredibly vivid. The humans vigilance system is usually
activated for health and safety issues in order to prevent same
incidents or accident being repeated which during sleep
paralysis can be bias, therefore it does not react to the
ambiguous experiences of sleep paralysis. This furthermore
increases the intensity of the visions. While the vigilance
system is unable to respond and involve itself, vestibular-motor
disorientation takes place which is a fancy term to describe out
of body experiences.

4. SLEEP PARALYSIS CLASSIFICATION
Sleep Paralysis can be classified within two groups which are most
common while awakening:
■ SP stands for Isolated Sleep Paralysis. It is a short term used to
describe the infrequent episodes of sleep paralysis that may occur
within an individuals lifetime for a short period of time, from a few
seconds to several minutes.
■ RISP stands for Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis. It is a term used
to describe an individual who may experience sleep paralysis for an
hour or possibly even longer. Back to back episodes of sleep
paralysis are common during the same night within RISP which is
highly unlikely within those who suffer from ISP. This can cause panic
symptoms.

5. What causes Sleep Paralysis?
■ Certain factors may increase your chances
of experiencing sleep Paralysis. I have
researched online of what the causes may
be and I found the NHS official website
most useful.
■ Sleep Paralysis is often linked to migraines
, anxiety disorders and obstructive sleep
apnea.
■ Depression as it causes disturbances in the
REM sleeping cycle.
■ Sleep Paralysis is also caused by REM ‘’ a
kind of sleep that occurs at intervals during
the night and is characterized by rapid eye
movements, more dreaming and bodily
movement, and faster pulse and
breathing.’’ meaning that the bran
experience vivid dreams while the muscles
of the individual’s body are weak, lack is
strength and are essentially turned off.
LINK: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sleep-
paralysis/Pages/Causes.aspx
The sleeping disorder is diagnosed with a test for
narcolepsy as it is he most common combination
or partnership along with sleeping paralysis.

6. What are the symptoms?
■ The main symptom of sleep paralysis is the inability to speak or move and react
which can be terrifying as the victim is awake, completely conscious throughout
the experience. This can occur from a few minutes to several seconds and once it
is over you will be able to move and speak as normal.
■ Breathing may also feel restricted.
■ You will experience a hallucination or a sensation that someone else in the room
with you. Possibly a demon like creature.
■ Anxiety can occur after the experience however it does not cause any harm or risk
your overall health.
■ Sleep paralysis can affect people of all ages while being more common amongst
young adults and teenagers. Both genders are equally affected.
■ A strong current running through the upper body. After doing some research I have
found out that this is due to REM seep, which according to wekipedia i normally
induces complete muscle atonia to prevent sleepers from acting out their dreams.
■ Floating sensation due to neurological hypnosis .

7. PREVENTATION
■ Do not sleep on you back. Sleeping on your back is the most common amongst all sleeping
positions, as the demon appearing creature hallucinations are often found resting on the victims
chest. A sleep paralysis victim is able to prevent this by simply sleeping on their side, and to
prevent any roll-overs during the middle of the night simply place a tennis ball in your pyjama
pocket.
GET MORE SLEEP!
■ Relaxation before the victim goes to sleep is important; managing to clear your thoughts reduces
stress therefore sleeping becomes easier., therefore eliminating sleep deprivation which is one
of the symptoms of sleep paralysis.
■ Alcohol and heavy meals can also disturb sleeping cycles, so to prevent this the victim must try
drinking tea or a warm glass of milk before going to bed. The victim should also avoid caffeine.
Caffeine can cause problems to an individual’s sleeping cycle even after 12 hours of intake.
■ Snacks such as a banana, granola, yogurt, milk can be extremely helpful for falling asleep easily.
■ If none of the suggestions above work for a sleep deprived individual, they should try medication.

8. TREATMENT■ Wiggling fingers or toes once the victim of the condition is aware that sleep paralysis is about to take place. This enables
the victim he opportunity to move in some cases but not all.
■ Switching up to a healthy sleeping pattern.
■ Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake and tricyclic antidepressants.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE NHS RECCOMENDED TREATMENTS