If you're looking for information not on sleep paralysis, but night terrors, you might want to read the section on Night Terrors first.

General characteristics of sleep paralysis

   Sleep paralysis, also referred to as the hypnogogic state when semi-concious, happens as the mind drifts off into sleep. To be specific, hypnagogic paralysis occurs as you're falling asleep, hypnopompic paralysis occurs as you're waking. At night, one's body must shut down to rejuvenate its inner energy. While semi-concious, fear can sometimes set in as the paralysis is felt. The person tries to call for help but can't move their lips, their eyes dart around the room, sometimes seeing dark figures and hearing wierd noises.

Why everyone gets sleep paralysis

   Do not be afraid! This is natural. If the body were to avoid paralysis at night, the person's dreams would cause the body to move all through the night - leaving an awful mess to clean up every morning. The reason a person can still see and move only their eyes is because the person is actually looking through their astral eyes. The person is having an out-of-body experience and doesn't realize it!
   Now, don't close the browser just yet. I didn't believe this at first either, but as I researched more into it, I soon realized what it was - a gift. If you're one of the large percentage (something like 30-50%) of people who experience this on a regular basis, there is a whole world ready to open up for you. It's estimated every person will have at least 1-2 sleep paralysis experiences in their lifetimes.

Believe it or not, but think of the possibilities

   Even if you don't believe it right now, think about it. Have you had these experiences? How often? Wouldn't it be great if there really was something out there that no one else would believe? Put aside the skepticism for a minute and think about how much fun it would be to go anywhere during any time period. There's a whole world out there that you're missing. I know and I can say it because I have been there and I know what a great feeling it is. Words can't describe it.
   Shortly after discovering what the sleep paralysis really was, I watched a much-hyped news story on a Detroit station about sleep paralysis. Teams of doctors and scientists at all the large universities are trying to understand what this 'curse' is caused by and why it affects more blacks than whites. Yada yada yada... All they have to do is ask one of the new-age 'wierdos' to find out.

Learn to enjoy the trance-like vibrations

   Even if you're skeptical about that part, just remember there's nothing to fear during these episodes. Next time this happens, rather than fight it, enjoy the feeling. Once you conquer the fear portion you'll be able to relax and feel the tingling sensation through your entire body. All the strange noises won't seem haunting and the dark figures will no longer surround you. The pressure on your chest will be relieved as well.
   That's how I overcame my fear of it - just go with the flow. It's like a hot-tub in bed without the water (unless it's a waterbed...). Once you learn there are thousands of people who enjoy the sleep paralysis it's easier to overcome the fear. And just to forewarn you, if you do see a spirit in the process, they're probably looking over you with care and will be just as surprised to see you looking at them. I've been there. Just don't forget nobody will harm you in any way.

The enjoyable experience of sleep paralysis

   I may have gone a little too far beyond the sleep paralysis bit you were originally looking for, but hey, this is what started it for me and I like to share. If you're lucky enough to experience this often, learn to live with it and if nothing else, you'll have an enjoyable body buzz as you go to sleep.

Still interested?

   If I've caught your interest, I suggest reading the page on astral projection techniques because if you're already suffering from sleep paralysis, you're already a step ahead of the rest in obtaining an OBE.

The picture is Henry Fuseli's The Nightmare (1781). It is thought to represent a demonic presence as the reason for the woman's sleep paralysis state. The print can be purchased at Art.com.

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