Sleep is the most valuable time for our body, because it is during this period that the body rests from a hard day, all systems are restored and receive a new charge of energy. Unfortunately, sleep disturbance is a fairly common occurrence, and the consequences can be dire for our health. One of these disorders is the old witch’s syndrome, or sleep paralysis. However, this condition is absent in the list of medical diseases. What is it?
What is the essence of sleep paralysis
Partial immobilization of the muscles of the body occurs normally in almost every person. However, we do not notice any changes that occur to us during the holidays. The old witch’s syndrome is a cross between waking and sleeping. In other words, consciousness has already awakened, but the body refuses to obey the signals of the brain. As a rule, this condition is familiar to many people, at least once in their life, most have experienced symptoms of sleep paralysis. The attack lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and then the functioning of the body returns to normal.
The mystical basis of carotid paralysis
People have always been inclined to mystify things that are difficult for them to explain. That is why sleep paralysis also has a second name - the syndrome of the old witch. In Russia it was believed that a brownie (or witch) comes to the owner at night and sits on his chest. Thus, the mythical character takes away vital energy from a person, feeds on this force. In modern times, there is also such a version. At night, extraterrestrial beings specially immobilize the sleeper in order to conduct experiments on him. Such an interpretation can be explained by the fact that the border between sleep and reality is washed away, all dreams seem to pass into real life. A person can even hear special sounds, steps, sighs (sound illusions). However, scientists insist that the syndrome of the old witch has nothing to do with diseases and mental disorders, and is a variant of the norm. Only occasionally does this condition indicate serious problems.
Human sleep phases
As you know, sleep consists of two alternating phases: the phase of REM sleep and the phase of slow sleep. During the first, the eyeballs move quite quickly. The phase of slow sleep - this is exactly the period during which the regeneration of all life systems takes place, the human body gets a good rest. About 75% of the entire period of rest occupies such a dream. Next comes the phase of REM sleep, during which we have the opportunity to see dreams. Consciousness begins to awaken, but sometimes the muscles do not have time. It was then that the syndrome of the old witch manifests itself.
Possible causes of sleep paralysis
It is noted that sleep paralysis is observed only if a person wakes up on his own, without exposure to external stimuli (alarm clock, knock, etc.). The old witch’s syndrome can have real reasons: changing the time zone (flights), switching from winter to summer time (or vice versa). In this case, natural biorhythms are disrupted, which can provoke a sleep disorder. Another factor that directly affects a person’s rest is stress, constant emotional stress.
Our brain processes everything that has been experienced during the day in a dream, and increased anxiety does not allow the body to completely relax. Experts also identify such reasons: disorders and diseases of the nervous system, alcohol
addiction, gambling, and even food. Taking certain medications (antidepressants, psychotropic substances) can also trigger the old witch’s syndrome. How to cause this disorder without the above factors? Genetic predisposition is another point that affects the development of paralysis during sleep. There are cases when symptoms were observed in an entire generation of the family.
Symptoms of the Old Witch Syndrome
The main symptom in this disorder is complete immobilization of the body. Only human eyes can make movements. In some cases, fingers are also mobile. Breathing is difficult, there is pressure in the chest area (as if someone is sitting on a person). At the same time, heartbeat is significantly more frequent. Hallucinations are possible: both sound ones (steps, rustles), and visual ones (shadows, “ghosts”). The old witch’s syndrome (photo below) is also characterized by complete disorientation of the person in space. Sleep is mixed with reality.
Risk groups
Most often, sleepy paralysis occurs in fairly young people - up to 25 years. Persons with a weak psyche are exposed to him, who are easily amenable to suggestion from other people. Another risk group is introverts. This is a certain category of the population, as it were closed in themselves, their thoughts and experiences. They themselves are enough, communication with others is not vital. Another syndrome of the old witch is most often manifested in the depletion of the nervous system, chronic fatigue.
How to get rid of the old witch syndrome
If episodes of sleeping paralysis occur occasionally, then special treatment is not required. You should slightly change the regime of the day, avoid stress, and sleep normalizes. But if the attacks occur quite often, after them you feel tired, weak, there are all kinds of fears (fear of falling asleep), then consultation with a specialist is simply necessary. Sometimes only a session with a psychotherapist is enough. In more rare cases, the doctor prescribes sedatives. To quickly get out of the state of paralysis, such knowledge will help. First, you need to make active movements with your eyes or fingers (if possible). The main thing - do not give in to panic and emotions if the old witch syndrome has occurred. How to get rid of this condition? A partner (wife, husband, one who is nearby) will also help out of it. If you observe rapid breathing, frozen emotions on the face, stupor and slight twitching of the muscles of the body, then gently stir the person, thus bringing him to his senses.
Good sleep rules
Sleep should be at least 6 hours long. Any emotional stress in the evening should be ruled out; it is best to take a walk in the fresh air. Horror films, thrillers, tragedies - these genres are not at all suitable for evening viewing. Do not neglect moderate exercise. If the doctor prescribed sedatives, then you should not neglect their use. It is best to fall asleep at the same time, so the body will quickly tune in to rest. You need to accustom yourself and wake up at approximately the same time intervals (even on a day off). A well-ventilated room, a sufficient level of humidity, proper bedding - all this only contributes to a good fall asleep. Do not use after 16:00 tonic drinks - tea, coffee. A plentiful dinner can also lead to insomnia, so the body will digest food instead of resting. Alcohol also does not contribute to healthy sleep. There is also such a rule: you need to go to bed only after drowsiness has appeared. If you can’t fall asleep even after 20 minutes, it’s better to get up and do something relaxing (for example, reading a book).