SLEEP STRUGGLES
This morning my mother sent me your survey on sleep paralysis and a condition that I was not aware of, exploding head syndrome, which sounds terrible. I completed the survey and added myself to the optional list at the end with the hope of maybe hearing some of your findings. I have suffered from sleep paralysis since I was a child, and at least three or four times a week. I get it the worst when overtired and just lying down for bed.
My father is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis of epilepsy and other neurological conditions. My question to you, I suppose, is in regards to my father’s explanation of how sleep paralysis works and whether he is right. Dad told me that when you fall asleep your body goes into a state of sleep called REM (rapid eye movement) where by your eyes are darting around behind your eyelids as you dream.
The problem with this is that if this happened every time we went to sleep we would be kicking, punching, walking around, you name it when we are completely asleep. So to combat this the body essentially disconnects its brain from its central nervous system as a preventative measure. According to Dad, sleep paralysis is when your brain is awake but remains cut-off from your central nervous system. He also went on to explain that this also accounts for people’s description of seeing demons or aliens, as they are not completely awake and remain partially asleep.
I have never had such an experience as that. I can only open my eyes and control my breathing, I can however pull myself out of it, and my girlfriend will shake me awake which works. I’m glad to hear you found our survey (anyone that hasn’t can do so at sciencefocus.com/bigsleepsurvey). Your dad is essentially right: sleep paralysis happens when a person wakes up before REM sleep is finished. Your body’s ability to move hasn’t been switched on yet – even though you’re conscious. In some cases, this combination can fuel hallucinations of witches, ghosts and ogres. The NHS (www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleepparalysis) is a good resource if you want to find out more. Plus, keep an eye on sciencefocus.com for our follow-up piece…