Awareness

Sleep Paralysis: Why Do I Have Night Terrors?

Published

9 months ago

October 27, 2020

Have you ever been caught in a grey zone, where your mind is wide awake, but your body is still fast asleep? Do you find yourself in a nightmarish reality where there’s no way out? Have you felt like you want to scream for help in your sleep but you can’t make a sound? Welcome to the reality of sleep paralysis where your night terrors get manifested!

In this article, we will answer the most common questions people ask about sleep paralysis and share with you some helpful tips on what you can do to avoid such a terrifying experience. Read on!

What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a temporary sleep anomaly, when a person, while half-asleep, realizes that he can not move or make sounds, which provokes a panic attack.

It occurs when you pass between stages of wakefulness and sleep. It is during these transitions, that you may feel unable to move or speak. This state can last for a few seconds up to a few minutes.

During this state, you may also feel pressure or a sense of choking.

Many people have experienced this phenomenon at least once.

Why Do I Have Sleep Paralysis?

Some researchers are inclined to believe that the occurrence of sleep paralysis may be associated with the REM sleep phase when the human brain has increased activity. You can recognize it by the rapid movement of the eyeballs under the eyelids. In this phase, we dream.

During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, your body is almost paralyzed: only vital organs work. Muscle tone is reduced by signals sent from the brain by certain neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid and glycine).

The REM sleep phase usually lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

You go through the REM sleep phase when you are falling asleep, waking up, and during sleep. At this stage, your brain is in an active state and you can see dreams or various kinds of hallucinations.

The most terrifying thing about sleep paralysis is that it’s usually accompanied by vivid nightmares, and sometimes hallucinations (such as attacks of demonic creatures). This leads to very painful experiences and makes you feel completely powerless and trapped.

During the REM sleep phase, there is no synchronization between changes in the brain and a decrease in muscle tone, which can provoke sleep paralysis.

But why is there such a mismatch in the work of the brain and muscles? Some researchers suggest that genetics is to blame. Others suggest looking for reasons in our daily routine.

Here are the most common causes of sleep paralysis.

#1: Sleep position

If you often sleep on your back, you may be at increased risk. Experimentally proven that sleeping on your back increases the likelihood of sleep paralysis. 50% of cases of sleep paralysis occur in this position.

#2: Brain waves

During episodes of sleep paralysis, there is a disproportionate amount of alpha waves with intermittent bursts of beta waves, especially in cases where people have reported visual hallucinations.

#3: Drugs

The use of various drugs, whether pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, or illegal, can contribute to the development of sleep paralysis. Even alcohol is considered a potential pathogen, as it can disrupt various stages of sleep.

#4: Violation of neurotransmission

Disturbed levels of neurotransmitters are thought to increase your susceptibility to sleep paralysis. In particular, GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and glycine may be the cause.

#5: Mental illness

Those who suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia may be more likely to have sleep paralysis. These conditions are characterized by sleep disorders, fluctuations in neurotransmitters, and are often treated with strong psychiatric medications that can easily increase the likelihood of this phenomenon.

#6: Chaotic sleep schedule, its disorders and deprivation

If you work shifts or don’t have strict sleep and wake times, you may be at an increased risk of sleep paralysis. This disrupts the circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. It leads to changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters, brain wave activity, regional blood flow, etc. All these changes increase the risk.

These 6 factors are the most common causes of sleep paralysis. However, there are also other reasons that you may need to consider, such as:

Genetic predisposition;
Leg cramps;
Neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s);
Stress;
Neurological disorders (migraines and epilepsy);
Mental trauma.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Paralysis?

#1: Immobility

The main symptom associated with sleep paralysis is the inability to move. If you found yourself completely motionless in your sleep, you are experiencing sleep paralysis.

#2: Inability to speak

One of the most noticeable and frustrating symptoms is the inability to speak or even produce any sounds. Imagine that you are stuck in a dream or dream-like state, but you are still conscious and feeling that a demon is about to attack you. Instead of screaming for help, you can’t even move your lips and feel tortured.

#3: Semi-conscious state

Some people remain fully conscious during sleep paralysis experience and can recall the entire episode. Most people are semi-conscious, which means that they have a certain degree of awareness or “flashes” of consciousness.

#4: Chest pressure

Some people feel a strong pressure on the chest when experiencing this phenomenon. Such pressure may feel as if a pile of cargo is piled on the chest, or as if a demonic entity is pressing on the chest. This pressure may occur due to breathing difficulty during the paralysis.

#5: Shortness of breath

You may also have difficulty breathing when having sleep paralysis. It can be caused by the specific position in which you fell asleep, pressure on your chest, or as a result of panic.

#6: Fear

Sleep paralysis often leads to a panic attack. When you find yourself helpless in your dream where you can neither move nor cry for help, you feel panicked and terrified.

#7: Helplessness

This is the most common symptom. You are aware of what is happening, but there is nothing you can do about it. If in addition, you have a nightmare or hallucinations, then everything only gets worse. Which again leads to panic.

#8: Hallucinations

Many people experience auditory hallucinations (hearing voices), visual hallucinations (seeing weird things, demonic beings, etc.), and sometimes tactile hallucinations (feeling things) that are not based on reality. In rare cases, a person may even report smelling something that is not based on reality (olfactory hallucinations). Common hallucinations in cases of sleep paralysis include animals, buzzing, demons, opening doors, footsteps, pressure, and whispers.

#9: Unusual sensations

Most unusual sensations that you may have during sleep paralysis experience are considered a byproduct of REM sleep. These unusual sensations are perceived by the consciousness as “real”, although, in fact, they are the result of chaotic brain activity. Unusual sensations may include feeling as if you are moving, swimming, or pushing; strange smells or sights; feeling stuck in a dream; etc.

How To Avoid Sleep Paralysis?

If you have ever had a terrifying sleep paralysis you definitely don’t want to experience it ever again. So, what can we do to avoid it? Here are some helpful tips!

#1: Exclude medical factors

Since the exact causes of sleep paralysis remain unknown, it is important to exclude all possible diseases that may contribute to it. These include checking for neurological conditions, working with a sleep specialist (to determine if you have a sleep disorder), checking for hormones, vitamin/micronutrient deficiencies, and others.

In addition to excluding medical indications, it may be important to exclude exposure to toxins. Regular detox cleanse can help you to minimize unpleasant sleep experiences.

If you have medical problems or have been exposed to environmental toxins, you will need to receive appropriate treatment. In many cases, treating the underlying condition will improve sleep quality.

#2: Create a proper sleep routine

If you are still experiencing sleep paralysis after you have ruled out or cured various medical problems, the next step is to adjust your sleep routine which includes:

Going to bed at the same time every night;
Wake up at the same time every morning;
Get approximately the same number of hours of sleep.

#3: Minimize possible sleep disturbances

Turn off phone notifications, block out outside noises and lights, and make sure your partner doesn’t roll on you in the middle of the night. If you have pets, make sure they don’t bother you in the middle of the night. Make sure that you don’t fall asleep with the TV on and avoid anything that might interfere with your sleep.

#4: Practice digital detox before bedtime

Cell phone, computer, TV, or other electronic devices before going to bed usually disrupt the quality of sleep. Try to avoid the use of electronics for 1-3 hours before bedtime.

#5: Avoid electromagnetic radiation

If you sleep near a computer, mobile phone, or Wi-Fi router, your sleep quality will be reduced. Put your cell phone in airplane mode and turn off the Wi-Fi router before going to bed.

#6: Turn off the light

Do your best to darken the room by blocking all bright light sources. Put light-blocking curtains or blinds on the windows to prevent light from entering during sleep.

#7: Increase the amount of sleep

Sleep deprivation or restriction is a factor that can increase the likelihood of developing sleep paralysis. Despite the fact that the quality of sleep should be more important than its quantity, you should sleep enough to feel mentally and physically rested after waking up.

Most experts suggest sleeping for at least 7-9 hours. However, it all depends on individual characteristics. If you are engaged in intense physical activity during the day, you may need more than 9 hours of sleep to get quality rest. Do what you think is right, but don’t skimp on the amount of sleep — this can increase the risk of sleep paralysis.

#8 Adjust your sleeping position

As we already mentioned before, in most cases, people who experience sleep paralysis sleep on their backs. So try changing your position while you sleep. Try sleeping on your side.

#9: Relax

If you are experiencing sleep paralysis, you may need to apply some relaxation techniques to solve this problem. Anxiety, trauma, and depression have been found to increase the risk of this phenomenon. Stress is known to interfere with sleep, and in some cases, the main cause of sleep paralysis may be over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Daily meditation practice and breathing exercises (pranayama) will help you reduce anxiety and stress. It should significantly improve the quality and quantity of your sleep and reduce the risk of experiencing sleep paralysis.

#10: Start a sleep diary

For some people, it might be helpful to consider using a sleep diary. When you wake up, write about what you experienced during sleep paralysis. Write down how long it lasted and keep track of how well you slept. Keeping a sleep diary will help you keep track of all the factors that can contribute to sleep paralysis.

The Bottom Line

Sleep paralysis can be a terrifying experience that can make you feel panic attacks. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take the above steps to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress in your life. Try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back. And if sleep paralysis happens again, shake it off (when you fully wake up) and realize that there is nothing to be scared of!

Up Next

Secret Societies: Inside The Most Mysterious Groups

Don't Miss

Kalachakra: The Most Powerful Protection From Natural Disasters

SOLANCHA STAFF

Abundant Living

Abundance Haircuts In August 2021: Good And Bad Days To Cut Your Hair

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2021

Katya Ki

Abundance Haircuts is a little-known sutra that reveals the negative consequences of cutting your hair on the bad days and the incredible benefits of cutting it on the good days. Bad and good days for this sutra are based on the Tibetan Calendar. Dates of Abundance Haircuts are calculated according to extremely complex formulas by experienced Feng Shui Masters. Naturally, each year, depending on the stars and their position, these days change.

Most people in the Western world have never heard about abundance haircuts. While for Eastern people it’s not a new practice. In this article, I will share with you this powerful sutra and give you a special calendar for abundance haircuts in August 2021 with good and bad days for haircuts. Pay attention to what day you’re picking for your next hair salon appointment – only choose good days for abundance haircuts in August 2021.

Why Is Hair So Important?

Since ancient times, people have given hair and any manipulation of it a sacred meaning. It was thought, that through one’s hair people can connect with the Universe. Hair serves as “antennas” and “guides” between our world and the world of Heaven. And so far this knowledge has not lost its relevance. Hair connects us with Higher forces, cosmic energy, God, Higher consciousness. By connecting through the hair to the Cosmos, a person is fed by the energies of Abundance and Health.

There were many beliefs associated with hair, some of them have survived to the present day. For example: in any case, you should not get a haircut by yourself, as in this case there is a deformation of your energy field, which can lead to poor health. It is also not recommended to get a haircut on the days of a lunar or solar Eclipse: the hair can suffer, weaken, lose shine, and volume.

What Are “Abundance Haircuts”?

It has long been known that there are days when it is especially favorable to cut hair. Among these days there are days of “Abundance haircuts.”

Abundance haircuts are a special ritual to attract abundance flows into your life. It is good to say abundance affirmations and mantras on this day. So you will strengthen the ritual haircut and make it a more effective and efficient force.

On this day it would be beneficial to chant the Lakshmi mantra:

OM HREEM SHREEM LAKSHMI BYO NAMAHA

Or Ganesh mantra:

OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAHA

It is also very beneficial to say abundance affirmations like:

I deserve to be abundantly happy and healthy!
My abundance is constantly growing!
I always have money for everything I need!
Money comes to me easily and fast!
I’m grateful for my abundant life!

Abundance Haircuts In August 2021

Astrology

The Full Thunder Moon 2021: Big Karmic Lessons Are Coming

Published

4 days ago

July 22, 2021

Katya Ki

The Full Thunder Moon 2021 rises on Friday, July 23, 2021. The upcoming Full Moon is often called the Thunder Moon, Buck Moon, Feather Moulting Moon, Salmon Moon, Berry Moon, and Raspberry Moon. The Full Thunder Moon 2021 is the time when we will be learning our karmic lessons and reaping the fruits of our good or bad karma.

In this article, we will share with you everything you need to know about the Full Thunder Moon 2021!

When Is The Full Thunder Moon 2021?

Full Thunder Moon will reach peak illumination at 10:37 P.M. Eastern Time on Friday. Look towards the southeast to watch it rise above the horizon.

Why Is It Called the “Thunder Moon”?

The full moon in July is also called the Thunder Moon because of the frequency of thunderstorms during this hot, dry month.

The Full Moon In Capricorn

According to Vedic astrology, the Full Moon takes place in Capricorn in the lunar mansion of Uttarashadha Nakshatra. Because the Moon is close to Saturn (which is in retrograde motion), there may be depressions and downturns in our personal lives and in the global economy.

Uttarashadha is the nakshatra of truthfulness. This nakshatra is intolerant of behind-the-scene influences and deception. Under the influence of this nakshatra, people will attract lots of life challenges where their truthfulness and authenticity will be tested. The spiritual lesson that Uttarashadha nakshatra brings to us is learning how to see through illusions in order to reveal the true nature of life events.

Under the influence of Uttarashadha Nakshatra, some people will be motivated to fight for what they believe is right. Also, during this time, your commitment to your ideas and moral principles may get tested. Therefore, it’s important to stay firm in your beliefs!

In Uttarashadha, the wisdom and integrity received in Sagittarius are directed to the sign of Capricorn – the field of changing and improving the surrounding world and humanity. Therefore, this Nakshatra puts a big responsibility on humanity, especially, on the world leaders. If the principles that humanity follows are false, then the changes that will be brought to the world will be wrong. In this case, there’s a danger of creating structures that will bind people and put more limitations on them, instead of setting them free.

This nakshatra can also bring health-related issues like weakness of lymphatic vessels, the knees, skin, ears, urinary system, typhoid, dysentery, eczema, and allergies.

The main advice for this Full Moon is to stay patient and take your emotions under control. You may face lots of injustice, manipulations, and lies, however, stay focused on your truth and your moral principles, don’t compromise your authenticity in order to fit in.

How to Work With the Full Moon Energy?

If we do not live in the rhythm of the lunar cycle, we most likely will feel mood swings and fatigue during the Full Moon time. Moreover, our emotional and even physical condition may deteriorate. Therefore, it is very important to learn to live in harmony with the Moon, especially when it’s at the peak of its activity.

Spend this Full Moon time period doing some internal work. Don’t let your energy run rampant with trying to make things happen. Time spent in silence, prayer, and meditation will be karmically rewarded. No matter what’s happening around you, stay calm, grounded, and centered.

For harmonizing the influence of the Moon on our lives, we can perform Moon practices and adjust our lifestyle to the Moon’s vibrations.

Quick Tips For the Full Thunder Moon 2021

In order to balance the Full Thunder Moon 2021 period’s influence on your life, try to keep in mind the following tips:

Do not start new cases and projects during this period.
Do not make important life-changing decisions.
Do not sign contracts, hold meetings with partners, or start a new business during this time. It is better to postpone all these things to another day. If this is not possible, be extremely careful.
A full moon is a special day when the maximum concentration of energy is reached, and the moon is visible in the sky at its full power. Therefore, during the Full Moon, when emotions are on the verge of getting out of control, it is recommended to devote yourself to spiritual practices.
During the Full Moon, try not to do any intense physical activity.
It is not recommended to perform operations during the full moon, as there is a high probability of their unfavorable outcome (severe bleeding may occur).
Be extremely careful on the roads while driving during the Full Moon. Make sure you concentrate on driving.
The full moon is a great time for fasting and cleansing.
It is recommended to do charity work on this day. For example, feed the homeless or donate something to the orphanage. Any help will be favorable. However, it is not recommended to donate money on this day.
Stay connected with nature: take a walk in the forest or at the beach, lie down on the ground, talk to the trees, hug them, etc.
Wear white clothes and pearls to pay your homage to the Moon.
Cooking for your family and friends will help to activate and balance the Moon energy.

The full moon in Uttarashadha Nakshatra is a favorable time for:

Art;
Wearing new clothes and jewelry;
Healing from illness;
Planting plants;
Installation of altars;
Spiritual ceremonies;
Studying of the Vedas;
Improving the home environment;
Tantra.

Spiritual Practices For the Full Thunder Moon 2021

#1: Chanting Ganesh Mantra

The symbol of Uttarashadha is an elephant tusk. The Elephant’s tusk associates this lunar mansion with the Hindu God Ganesh. Lord Ganesh is the one-tusked elephant-headed god who is invoked to bless new beginnings and is prayed to remove obstacles from one’s path or endeavor. Therefore, chanting the Ganesh mantra during this full moon will help you to remove any obstacles from your path to success and abundance.

Chant the mantra 108 times.

#2: Filling Up With Lunar Energy

This practice is especially recommended for those who have a bad relationship with their mothers or elderly women, and also for those who have mood swings.

Instructions:

Place a glass of clean water on the windowsill (or next to the window) so that the moonlight reflects in it. Leave it there for the night.
In the morning, drink that Moon water on an empty stomach. Tell your gratitude to the Moon. Chant the Moon mantra: OM CHANDRAYA NAMAHA (108 times).

#3: Full Moon Mantra Chanting For Attracting Abundance

On a Full Moon, go outside (backyard or patio), stretch your hands up to the Moon. When looking at the Full Moon, set your intention to attract abundance into your life and repeat the following mantra for 12 minutes: OM SHRAAM SHREEM SHRAUM SAH CHANDRAMASE NAMAHA

The Bottom Line

The retrograde motion of Saturn makes this full moon a depressive and emotional period. Stay in touch with your feelings. Be patient with yourself and with others. Take every obstacle with gratitude for teaching you an important lesson. Remember that we are personally responsible for our own karma. By focusing on your truthfulness and spiritual principles you will lay a firm foundation for your good karma and positive changes in life.

Personal Development

10 Must-Watch Conscious Movies That Make You Think Deeply

Published

5 days ago

July 21, 2021

SOLANCHA STAFF

As humans, stories are one of our most powerful forms of communication. We love stories! They help us to understand important ideas and make sense of the world around us. Everything we go through in our lives is a story, every dream we have is a story, and there’s a story behind every achievement and every failure. That’s why it makes sense that we love movies since they perfectly embody interesting stories. Some of us watch movies to get inspired or motivated, others – to find a sense of relief from our daily stress, to have a mind-twisting experience, or to even feel empathy by letting them touch our hearts. It’s not a secret that the right kind of movie can even help us grow as individuals and be a powerful tool for self-reflection. Conscious movies can encourage us to question our lives, ideas, and principles, realize our infinite potential and endless possibilities, and even understand where we’re heading as a society.

In this article, we want to share with you our list of 10 conscious movies that will definitely make you think deeply and question old paradigms.