SLEEP PARALYSIS

Have you ever woken up to find that you are unable to move your body? That it is even impossible to open your eyes let alone let out a small call for help? And then you feel like you're falling through a dark, deep expanse of space, with no sense of orientation. Sometimes you might even hear incomprehensible voices.

I have. In fact, the first time I experienced it was in November 2002. I've had several such episodes since, which initially totally freaked me out. In Malaysia, this is thought to be because a spirit (or ghost, whatever tickles your fancy) was literally on top of you, thus disabling any form of movement.

In truth, this is what scientist call sleep paralysis.

"It is a frightening form of paralysis that occurs when a person suddenly finds himself or herself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis is due to an ill-timed disconnection between the brain and the body. The symptoms of sleep paralysis include sensations of noises, smells, levitation, paralysis, terror, and images of frightening intruders. Once considered very rare, about half of all people are now believed to experience sleep paralysis sometime during their life. Sleep paralysis strikes as a person is moving into or out of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the deepest part of sleep. During REM sleep the body is largely disconnected from the brain leaving the body paralyzed. Sleep paralysis is the result of premature (or persistent) mind-body disconnection as one is about to enter into (or exit from) REM sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs most often after jet lag or periods of sleeplessness that interrupt the normal REM patterns. It affects both sexes equally and occurs at all ages but is most common in teenagers. Sleep paralysis can be familial and may be genetic (inherited) in some cases. An attack of sleep paralysis is usually harmless and self-limited. It tends to be over in a minute or two as soon as the brain and body re-establish connections and the person is able to move again. However, the memory of the terrifying sensations felt during sleep paralysis can long endure." (Medicine.net)

To sum it up, it is basically when your brain is somehow activated but your body has turned off and disconnected from the brain. I actually saw a documentary on this and was somewhat relieved. And looking back, I realized that everytime I experienced the sleep paralysis is when I was uber exhausted and mecha tired.

So, just wanted to share the scientific explanation for this phenomenon. This might bring enlightenment to some or maybe cause some form of discomfort to some, depending on how you take it. But at least, the truth is out there. Huu~

P/S-No pictures of TVXQ because I seem to can't find one where all of them were asleep. So, I present to you, Arashi!!