Syndrome of the old witch, or sleepy paralysis: causes. How to get rid of it, how to call it?

Sleep is the most valuable time for our body, because it is during this period that the body rests from the work day, all systems are restored and receive a new charge of vivacity. Unfortunately, the violation of sleep - a fairly frequent phenomenon, and the consequences can be deplorable for our health. One of these disorders is the syndrome of the old witch, or sleepy 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 is normal in almost every person. However, we do not notice any changes that occur to us during the rest. The syndrome of the old witch is something intermediate 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, such a state is familiar to many people, at least once in life, the majority experienced the symptoms of sleep paralysis. The attack lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and then the functioning of the body comes back to normal.

Mystical basis of sleep paralysis

People have always been tempted to mystify things that are difficult for them to explain. That is why sleep paralysis has a second name - the syndrome of the old witch. In Russia it was believed that the house (or witch) comes at night to the master and sits down on his chest. Thus, the mythical character takes away from the person life energy, eats this power. In modern times there is also such a version. At night, alien creatures specially immobilize the sleeper to carry out their experiments on him. It is possible to explain such an interpretation by the fact that the border between sleep and the reality is washed away, all dreams turn 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 sometimes this state indicates serious problems.

The phases of human sleep

As you know, sleep consists of two alternating phases: the phase of fast sleep and the phase of slow sleep. During the first, eyeballs move rather quickly. The phase of slow sleep - this is exactly the period during which the regeneration of all vital systems occurs, the human body receives a full rest. It takes about 75% of the rest period. Then comes the phase of fast sleep, during which we have the opportunity to see dreams. Consciousness begins to awaken, but the muscles sometimes do not have time. That's when the old witch syndrome manifests itself.

Possible causes of sleepy paralysis

It is noted that sleep paralysis is observed only if a person wakes up independently, without the influence of external stimuli (alarm, knock, etc.). The syndrome of the old witch cause can have quite real: a change in the time zone (flights), the transition from winter to summer time (or vice versa). In this case, natural biorhythms are violated, which can also trigger a sleep disorder. Another factor that directly affects a person's rest is stress, a constant emotional tension. All that we experience during the day is treated by our brain in a dream, and heightened anxiety does not allow the body to completely relax. Also, experts identify and such reasons: disorders and diseases of the nervous system, alcohol dependence, play, and even food. Taking certain medications (antidepressants, psychotropic substances) can also provoke the syndrome of the old witch. How to cause this disorder without the factors described above? Genetic predisposition is one more thing that influences the development of paralysis during sleep. There are cases when symptomatology was observed in a whole generation of the family.

Symptoms of the syndrome of the old witch

The main symptom of this disorder is the complete immobilization of the body. Movements can only be made by human eyes. In some cases, the fingers are also mobile. Breathing is difficult, there is pressure in the chest (as if someone is sitting on a man). At the same time, heart beat is much faster. Possible and hallucinations: both sound (steps, rustles), and visual (shadows, "ghosts"). The syndrome of the old witch (photo below) is 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. He is subject to a person with a weak psyche, which easily yields to suggestion from other people. Another group of risk is introverts. This is a certain category of the population, as if it were self-contained, its own thoughts and experiences. They have enough of themselves, communication with others is not vital. Another syndrome of the old witch often manifests itself in the exhaustion of the nervous system, chronic fatigue.

How to get rid of the syndrome of the old witch

If episodes of sleepy paralysis appear from time to time, then no special treatment is required. It is necessary to slightly change the regime of the day, to avoid stress, and sleep is normalized. But if the seizures occur often enough, after them there is a feeling of fatigue, weakness, there are all sorts of fears (fear of falling asleep), then a specialist's consultation is simply necessary. Sometimes it is enough to have a session with a therapist. In more rare cases, the doctor prescribes sedatives. To quickly exit the state of paralysis will help such knowledge. 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 syndrome of the old witch has come. How to get rid of this condition? A partner (wife, husband, one who is near) will help him out. If you observe rapid breathing, frozen emotions on the face, stupor and slight twitching of the muscles of the body, then gently stir up the person, thus, bringing him to life.

Rules of good sleep

Sleep should be a minimum of 6 hours. It is necessary to exclude any emotional load in the evening, it is best to take a walk in the fresh air. Horror films, thrillers, tragedies - these genres are not suitable for evening viewing. Do not neglect and moderate physical activity. If the doctor has prescribed sedatives, then neglect their use is not necessary. Fall asleep best at the same time, so the body will quickly adjust to rest. It is necessary 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, the right bed - all this only contributes to a good sleep. Do not use after 16:00 toning drinks - tea, coffee. A plentiful supper is also capable of leading to insomnia, so the body will digest food instead of rest. Alcohol also does not promote a healthy sleep. There is also such a rule: go to bed only after drowsiness has appeared. If you can not fall asleep and after 20 minutes, it's better to get up and do something relaxing (for example, reading a book).