An Introduction to the Phenomena of Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is fairly common. In order to understand it I would like to define the word paralysis “Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function in one or more muscle groups” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralysis). Sleep paralysis is a condition characterized by a paralyzed feeling of the body shortly after waking up. It can also occur shortly before falling asleep. There are actually five stages of sleep; the first stage is stage one. While in this stage of sleep a person may experience auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations. This is known as hypnagogic hallucinations. This state of sleep may even be accompanied by a full body paralysis. In many cases of hypnagogic hallucinations, the individual is aware that these are hallucinations, however. The scary part is the inability to respond to them. Stage two, three, and four, are dreaming states. After stage two, the body begins to slow down its normal processes, and although a person is considered to be conscious, their body is in a state of complete control. Stage five is an important factor to this discussion. Stage five is defined as a “REM” stage (Rapid eye movement). It is said “that sleep paralysis occurs when the brain is awakened from a REM state into essentially a fully awake state”. However, it seems that bodily paralysis is still occurring. If this is true then, in this circumstance it would cause a person to be fully aware but unable to move. During these episodes it is common to sense a presence of something or someone in the room with you. In addition, most commonly, people who endure this phenomenon may experience auditory hallucinations or visual hallucinations. In the more rear cases of sleep paralysis people may feel like they are falling or they may sense a vibration or feel held down in some way. Although, sleep paralysis is a common phenomenon, scientists, and psychologists are still uncertain as to the causes of it. It is suggested that there is a positive correlation between people that experience it and the people who suffer from narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy often experience irresistible tiredness. It is also suggested that sleeping upwards may increase the likelihood that one will experience an episode of sleep paralysis. In addition, it is said that the likelihood can be increased by irregular sleep, stress, and sudden changes in ones lifestyle. According to researchers sleep paralysis is not harmful to the subjects. However, in other cultures, including, Japanese, Newfoundland, Mexico, Tukish, Southern United States, Indonesia, and China, the cause is considered to be somewhat evil. For example, Chinese culture, in general considers the phenomenon to be caused by a ghost, or a spirit. In general, in Mexico, they consider it to be caused by the dead getting on top of the subject. Although, we have not figured out what would cause such an episode, many theorists have tried giving plausible explanations. My theory is that the brain and the body are separate components of our consciousness. If this is true then it is plausible that our sense of sight, touch, taste, and even smell can be active, even if our body is not. In this case, if we were to fall asleep and suddenly awake, Can it be possible that the part of our brain that controls our conscious state can become active, meanwhile, the parts of the brain that control our motor system and nervous systems are not?