Sleep Paralysis

"The Nightmare" by Johann Heinrich Fussli

On this subject, sleep paralysis explains why people fear this time of day or night. It's the time of just waking or being woken up by a sense of dread, a physically painful time as this is reported when chest is tight and unable to breath. It's as though someone's chest is being sat on. People have also felt unable to move and can't even speak properly. During this time of waking up, people can encounter something with them that may look human, animal or supernatural. It's believed by doctors that sleep paralysis is the natural way that stops you acting out your dreams, usually. Some may end up not having this sensation while others experience sleep walking but those are different topics. This is what happens while asleep. Although when people wake up their bodies may still be locked in that paralysis. It lasts a very short time although it can feel like ages if the feeling is scary. People that often experience this will notice they can't move their arms or legs, and haven't got control. The waking stage is often different to be fully awake as people feel disorientated and even feel as if they've been inside a dream for real and suddenly back to reality. Usually it happens amongst children and young adults. One of the biggest causes is insomnia. Some during sleep paralysis will hallucinate and think there's something with them in the room. They might even hear strange noises. A part of this may include tingling sensations or even pins and needles. People often panic while having sleep paralysis. There are many myths and legends and stories in folklore related to sleep paralysis, including the incubus and succubus, night hags, demons, aliens and ghosts. 

Shadow Girl