(Sleep paralysis fear) I'm afraid to close my eyes. I want to sleep.

Fear of sleep, sleep paralysis

 

There was a time when I was aware that I was dreaming while sleeping, but I was so paralyzed that I was startled.

No, being just surprised is not enough. Do you feel fear?

I think it happened again for about three days last week.

 

On the first day, you challenged me with, "This is just a dream, if I just open my eyes, nothing will happen."

So I guess that's why I woke up easily, and in the morning I told my husband, "I think I had a nightmare yesterday."

I felt like I was being pressed by a pair of scissors. I said this and casually brushed it off.

 

I don't remember the dream or anything from the first day of the second day, but it's the start of another nightmare, this time unlike yesterday.

It's hard to move my body easily. I can't move my body, and I want to call my husband.

I couldn't even hear the voice.

 

My whole body from head to toe is covered in sweat.

I, barely awake from sleep, woke my husband. This sweat is not the kind you get after exercise.

When I feel chills and fear, it's like cold sweat.

It was 3 a.m. and I was so scared that I sat on the sofa and talked about various things until morning.

I think I slept for about an hour before going to work.

 

I think this day, the third and last day, is the most problematic.

I was overwhelmed by the fear of sleep paralysis that I couldn't sleep at all, unable to escape the terror of not sleeping once or twice.

The night before, I woke up from sleep, but on the third day, I was unable to fall asleep due to fear.

The next day, I have to go to work and carry out my daily life, but every time I close my eyes, I experience sleep paralysis.

Have you ever felt the fear of impending horror that makes you unable to close your eyes?

 

The three consecutive days of sleep disturbances seem to have worsened my condition.

Again, ulcers (mouth sores) have appeared in my mouth.

 

 

I learned about sleep paralysis.

 

What is sleep paralysis?

 

Sleep paralysis is a type of sleep disorder where the individual is awake but

It refers to a condition where the body cannot wake up or move, usually starting in adolescence.

In fact, it is a symptom that anyone can experience at any time regardless of age or gender.

Sleep paralysis mainly occurs when arousal is incomplete, and the brain is conscious and awake but

Pain occurs mainly when muscles are paralyzed in a state of sensory loss.

It is known to occur during REM sleep. [Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips]

 

 

Why does our body become paralyzed during REM sleep?

 

Sleep is primarily composed of repeated cycles of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and Non-REM sleep, with Non-REM sleep being

REM sleep accounts for about 20-25% of total sleep, while approximately 80% of sleep is non-REM sleep.

 

The paralysis of the body's muscles during the REM sleep stage of dreaming is a defensive mechanism of the body.

It is to prevent accidents that may occur by practicing actions in dreams.

Therefore, during REM sleep, excluding the muscles responsible for breathing and blinking.

All muscles in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body become paralyzed, rendering movement impossible.

 

 

Can you experience hallucinations and auditory hallucinations?

 

During REM sleep, all body muscles except for breathing and eye muscles are relaxed.

When the body does not move as intended and one wakes up during this time, the muscles do not follow the consciousness.

He is unable to move his body for a while while remaining conscious, as if pressed down by a heavy weight.

 

In addition to being unable to move your body when pressed by a ghost, you may also experience hallucinations or auditory hallucinations such as ghosts or black objects.

Frequent sleep paralysis can cause significant mental stress and anxiety, leading to ongoing sleep disturbances, so caution is advised.

 

 

The process of experiencing sleep paralysis

 

During the REM sleep stage where dreams occur, I briefly wake up.

Only the eyes remain open while all muscles except those controlling breathing and eye movement are paralyzed.

🔸Unable to move arms and legs, and no voice is heard

🔸Feeling like you see illusions or hear hallucinations right after waking up from a dream.

 

 

Prevention methods for sleep paralysis

 

Get enough sleep and maintain regular sleep habits.

Avoid scary and brutal movies or novels.

Treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia

Take a lukewarm shower before bed

Engage in regular exercise but avoid it 1 to 2 hours before sleeping.

Be cautious when taking medications such as diet drugs.

Do not consume large amounts of stimulants such as caffeinated beverages or alcohol.

Be mindful of managing mental stress well and avoid overworking.

Lying on your side

Consider medication treatment if frequent sleep paralysis occurs.

 

 

Should I not treat sleep paralysis?

 

Usually, about 7 to 8% of healthy individuals experience sleep paralysis.

It is rare to treat this symptom itself.

 

However, due to sleep paralysis, the quality of sleep deteriorates, leading to...

If you experience fatigue and decreased concentration during the day that interfere with your daily life, it is advisable to seek treatment.

If you have symptoms such as anxiety disorder, stress disorder, narcolepsy, or seizures

It is recommended to visit a specialized hospital promptly for detailed examinations, accurate diagnosis, and treatment.

 

 

 

I also suffered from sleep disturbances for about three days, along with habits I wasn't even aware of.

I think stress has been holding me back.

Living daily life was extremely difficult in a state of not being able to sleep properly.

 

There will be more and more days where I struggle to sleep due to the heatwave.

Let's also share some preventive measures to improve the quality of sleep.