Science describes sleep paralysis as a temporary inability to move or speak during the waking process. According to experts, this happens because of a disconnection between motor, cognitive, emotional and perceptual functions in the transition from sleep to wakefulness.own movements.

This is where the feeling of tightness in the chest and the hallucinations come from, both caused by the fear of not being able to control one's body and speech. Also, the person may hear strange sounds, since the ear muscles are still working, even when all the other muscles in the body are relaxed during sleep.

Sleep Paralysis for Spiritism

On the other hand, according to the Spiritist view, sleep paralysis has other explanations. It is important to remember that, according to Spiritism, the brain is only a channel of manifestation that has no consciousness of its own. The human being, therefore, is formed only by body and spirit.

In this sense, sleep paralysis can be an experience of spirit evolution, in which body and spirit would be preparing for a life between the two planes.

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Another theory has to do with the belief that we live very close to disembodied spirits, so when seeing or feeling presences during waking, the person would be having an involuntary interaction with one of these beings. They appear in a frightening or exaggerated way, because spiritual perception does not happen in the same way as sensory perception.

However, there is also the explanation that these figures present such evil appearances because they are unfortunate disembodied spirits who take advantage of sleep paralysis to mock.

For those who have no religious belief, the phenomenon can be a stimulus for spiritual awakening.

Sleep paralysis according to the Bible

As for those who follow Christianity, the justification given by the Bible is found in Psalms 91:5. It reads: "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the death that rages at noon."

So the interpretation is that the sleep paralysis and all the visions that happen during the episode represent a coordinated spiritual attack by demons or other low vibration beings.

Regardless of which explanation you consider the most valid, the truth is that sleep paralysis can happen to anyone. Learn how to identify it below.

Types of sleep paralysis

Most often, this phenomenon is described as a traumatic and terrifying experience, like that provided by a horror movie. Based on the reports of several patients, sleep paralysis has been classified into three main types:

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• Intruder: when the person feels or reports having seen a strange being in the room;
• Unusual body experience: when the person feels like they are floating and seeing their own body as if they were above it;
• Incubus: when the person feels pressure in the chest accompanied by shortness of breath.

Science explains the hallucinations because of the abrupt exit of the REM sleep state, which is the deep resting phase in which the individual dreams. When we sleep, all the muscles relax to conserve energy and avoid abrupt movements. If there is a communication failure between the brain and the body in this process, sleep paralysis occurs, accompanied by hallucinations.

The feeling of floating above one's own body, in turn, may be related to altered neural processing in regions of the brain that gather the information necessary to understand body images and the notion of self.

But what can cause sleep paralysis? Learn about the possible reasons below:

Causes of sleep paralysis

There are still no clear explanations as to what causes sleep paralysis, but the hypotheses raised by scientists suggest that it is a multifactorial event.

Some of the investigations have linked the phenomenon to substance use, traumatic or stressful situations, genetic influences, sleep problems and disturbances, and psychiatric disorders. The most plausible motivations seem to be post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and narcolepsy.

On the other hand, There are a few factors that increase the chance that a person will get sleep paralysis. These include irregular bedtimes, sleep deprivation, and stress.

Sleeping on your stomach can also be a trigger. Not surprisingly, the legend of the Stepper tells that there is an old woman with long nails that hides on the roofs at night and steps on the chest of those who sleep in that position, hence the tightness in the chest during paralysis.

According to spiritualism, the cause has to do with the attack of obsessive spirits That is, the souls of people attached to the material world who continue with worldly needs even after death. They are the presence that the victim sees during sleep paralysis, unable to defend himself. The attacks can be motivated by revenge from past lives, or negative energies.

And how to recognize such an episode? Check out the symptoms below:

Symptoms of sleep paralysis

The main signs that you are experiencing sleep paralysis are:

• Not being able to move your body, but feeling awake;
• Shortness of breath;
• Extreme distress, fear, and anxiety;
• Feeling of falling or floating above the body;
• Hallucinations, such as hearing strange voices or sounds from people who are not in the environment;
• Feeling of drowning.

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Because it is a traumatic experience, the persistent phenomenon can influence the quality of sleep, causing insomnia, fatigue, lack of concentration and memory, drop in performance at school or work, demotivation, and isolation. Read on and find out how to avoid it.

How to avoid sleep paralysis

According to science, good sleep habits are enough to prevent an individual from experiencing sleep paralysis - not least because it is estimated that paralysis happens only once or twice during a lifetime. For this, the recommended thing is:

• Sleep 6 to 8 hours a night;
• Try to go to bed and always wake up at the same time;
• Avoid energy drinks before bedtime;
• Do not use the cell phone before going to bed.

Thus, one of the ways to avoid it is to protect your energy and that of your home, in order to keep negative energies away.

The Bath of Jesus, for example, is a ritual that aims to stimulate this protection. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Cook canjica in 1 liter of pure water;
2. Crush 3 sprigs of basil in a separate bowl of water;
3. When the canjica is ready, separate the water and mix it with the basil;
4. Take a bath with this water from the neck down, mentalizing the expulsion of bad energies.
5. Sleep with the bath on your body.

Another option is the energetic bath. Here's how to prepare it:

1. Heat two liters of water and add indigo stone or liquid indigo until the water turns blue;
2. Take a shower as usual;
3. Pour the blue water from the neck down, mentally;
4. Let the bath dry naturally;
5. Repeat the process for 16 days in a row.

There is also the alternative of using incense and crystals to reestablish the energetic balance and energize the environment.

But if you still have sleep paralysis, there are some techniques to get rid of this experience, which we will learn about below.

What to do during sleep paralysis?

Usually, there is no need to worry, because after a few seconds or minutes, the control of the movements returns spontaneously. Sleep paralysis is not dangerous It is not life-threatening, despite the distressing symptoms.

But the experts' tip is to try to think logically and focus the body's energy on making small movements If someone touches you during the episode, it also helps.

In the spiritual realm, there is prayer, as Allan Kardec pointed out. The Our Father or St. Michael of Archangel prayers are quite powerful to combat the obsessing spirits in this situation.

Can sleep paralysis be considered a disease?

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As we have seen, sleep paralysis is not a health problem and happens rarely. However, if it appears recurrently, that is, at least two episodes within six months, it is necessary to be alert. It is likely that the phenomenon is related to a strong emotional charge, so it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional, who will possibly indicate the treatment to be followed.

Is there a treatment for sleep paralysis?

Since sleep paralysis is directly related to the quality of sleep, some habit changes will be necessary to stop the episodes. Adopting fixed bedtimes, avoiding the use of electronic equipment (the famous "blue screens"), and not consuming beverages such as energy drinks or coffee before bedtime can help.

More severe cases or those related to specific disorders may require monitoring by neurologists and/or psychiatrists, who will provide the appropriate treatment according to the condition.

A mystery still without many solutions

Despite the information listed here, sleep paralysis is still a phenomenon that has been little studied by science. Evidence is scarce, and it is not possible to say with certainty about some aspects of this event.

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Still, the expectation is that soon we will have more data regarding the subject. In the meantime, the tip is to protect yourself spiritually and take care of your sleep. Don't be fooled, the next victim could be you!