Sleep Paralysis what it is and why it happens?!?

Sleep paralysis is a temporary state in which a person becomes conscious but unable to move or speak. It typically occurs during transitions between sleep and wakefulness either when falling asleep (hypnagogic paralysis) or when waking up (hypnopompic paralysis).

From a scientific perspective it happens because of a mismatch between the brain and the body during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement phase). During REM the brain is active and dreams occur but the body is intentionally paralyzed this is a protective mechanism called REM atonia that prevents us from physically acting out our dreams.

Sometimes the brain “wakes up” before the body fully exits this paralyzed state as a result you become aware of your surroundings while your muscles remain locked. This can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes,these sensations can be terrifying and in many cultures, they’ve been interpreted as supernatural experiences,demons sitting on the chest,shadow entities or spiritual attacks. Scientifically however they are the result of the brain mixing dream imagery with waking awareness the causes of this are irregular sleep schedules, sleep deprivation,high stress,anxiety,sleeping on the back,certain medications or other sleep disorders like narcolepsy. To reduce these episodes sleep 7 or 8 h per night,reduce caffeine and avoid lying flat on your back.

I know it’s frightening but the more fear you feel the denser and darker the presence becomes.