During REM sleep the body paralyses itself as a protection mechanism in order to prevent the movements which occur in the dream from causing the physical body to move. However, it is possible for this mechanism to be triggered before, during, or after normal sleep while the brain awakens. This can lead to a state where a person is lying in his or her bed and they feel paralyzed. Hypnologic hallucination may occur in this state, especially auditory ones. Effects of sleep paralysis include heaviness or inability to move the muscles, rushing or pulsating noises, and brief hypnologic imagery.
Sleep paralysis often happens during times of stress or when sleep patterns are altered, for example, as a result of jet lag.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is common for most people to experience an episode of sleep paralysis once in a while, people with narcolepsy have frequent sleep paralysis attacks.
Sleep paralysis is harmless; however, if it is interfering with your life, there are drugs to help with it.
Source: http://www.meaningofdreams.org