Sleep researchers say that often feeling paralyzed by a nightmare and being unable to even lift a finger while sleeping is a sign that your body has failed to follow the steps of a specific sleep cycle, and occasionally it can be a symptom of mental illnesses.
For many generations, this condition has been strongly associated with witchcraft, spirits, and demons in various societies, and some people with beliefs rebuke it fervently based on their faith, even though experts believe this condition has no connection to dark forces.
How does this condition occur?
In normal circumstances, when a person is drifting into sleep, the entire body first relaxes and loses strength before entering into sleep. However, in an abnormal situation, the body relaxes and loses strength, but the brain remains awake. During this time, you may be unable to move, feel a presence in your room, experience pressure and a pushing sensation toward the ground, and feel intense fear.
What is the cause?
The direct cause of this problem is not recognized, but it is associated with the following factors:
- Sleep deprivation.
- Irregular sleep schedules, especially for night shift workers and sometimes day workers like security guards and healthcare providers.
- Mental illnesses.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Traumatic memories from the past, especially for soldiers who have been to war, individuals who have experienced sexual assault, or those who have encountered difficult events in the past (PTSD).
- Family history of this disorder.
Treatment
There is no direct medication to cure this condition, but treatment depends on the underlying cause, such as addressing sleep deprivation, anxiety, mental illnesses, and traumatic memories with sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications.
Prevention
- Ensure sufficient sleep, around 6 to 8 hours.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee before bedtime.
- Avoid sleeping on your back, as many experience this issue when sleeping in this position.
