Kimesha Frazier
156
11-15-2012
Dr. Joan Brand
The Realms of Sleep
I remember a time when I experienced the most unnerving sensation as I laid in my bed. I was conscious of all of my surroundings. I listened as my clocked ticked away and I could hear the sweet innocent sounds of children playing outside. Everything appeared to be as normal as any other day. To my surprise, something was definitely wrong. I opened my eyes and I thought it was strange; I could not move! I believed that I was paralyzed! As I struggled to move, I began to hyperventilate. I could not catch my breath. The entire ambience of my room was filled with feelings of despair and horror. I laid in my bed defenseless while I concentrated on what appeared to be a dark, shadowy figure near my closet. My fear deeply intensified and suddenly, I snapped out of this frightening ordeal. This is what many endure when they are affected by the phenomenon known as sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis is a condition that affects all cultures, and it must be explored from a scientific standpoint and not simply based on myth and folklore.
Every culture has its own beliefs about the condition known as sleep paralysis. Many people believe that sleep paralysis is a medical condition. According to (Web MD) (2012) sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During, these transitions, you cannot move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people also feel pressure and choking. Sleep paralysis is like having a nightmare awake. Sleep paralysis is associated with the condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted in their sleep. However, there are no dangers associated with sleep paralysis. It has been said that sleep paralysis may accompany the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an