Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations

Sleep paralysis is a condition characterized by paralysis of the body shortly after waking up (known as hypnopompic paralysis) or, less often, shortly before falling asleep (known as hypnagogic paralysis). Physiologically, it is closely related to the normal paralysis that occurs during REM sleep, also known as REM atonia. Sleep paralysis occurs when the brain is awakened from a REM state into essentially a normal fully awake state, but the bodily paralysis is still occurring. This causes the person to be fully aware, but unabl ...

Including:

• Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations
• Sleep paralysis - Possible causes
• Sleep paralysis - Cultural references
• Sleep paralysis - Treatment in literature

Read more here: » Sleep paralysis: Encyclopedia - Sleep paralysis

Many report hallucinations during episodes of sleep paralysis. The features of these hallucinations generally vary by individual, but some are more common to the experience than others: Most common Vividness Fear Common Sensing a "presence" (often malevolent) Pressure/weight on body (especially the chest). See for example the painting in the begining of this article, which is due to this phenomenon. A sensation of not bein ...

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Sleep paralysis, Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations, Sleep paralysis - Possible causes, Sleep paralysis - Cultural references, Sleep paralysis - Treatment in literature

Read more here: » Sleep paralysis: Encyclopedia II - Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations

In India, there are two thoughts. One of the signs of approaching enlightenment is "witnessing sleep," that is to say, being seemingly lucid in sleep — such as with sleep paralysis. It was also believed within the movement that rakshasas (Hindu demons) may assail those making strides towards their own enlightenment and the good of all mankind. The other thought is a female entity, called Mohini (a demoness from the underworld), comes into the night-time world by means of ascending through a deep well. She is enchantingly beautiful, yet sim ...

See also:

Sleep paralysis, Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations, Sleep paralysis - Possible causes, Sleep paralysis - Cultural references, Sleep paralysis - Treatment in literature

Read more here: » Sleep paralysis: Encyclopedia II - Sleep paralysis - Cultural references

Little is known about the physiology of sleep paralysis. However, some have suggested that it may be linked to post-synaptic inhibition of motor neurons in the pons region of the brain. In particular, low levels of melatonin may stop the depolarisation current in the nerves, which prevents the stimulation of the muscles. There is also a significant positive correlation between those experiencing this disorder frequently and those suffering from narcolepsy. However, various studies suggest that many or most people will experience sle ...

See also:

Sleep paralysis, Sleep paralysis - Accompanying hallucinations, Sleep paralysis - Possible causes, Sleep paralysis - Cultural references, Sleep paralysis - Treatment in literature

Read more here: » Sleep paralysis: Encyclopedia II - Sleep paralysis - Possible causes