Alien abduction & Paralysis
The terms alien abduction or abduction phenomenon describe "subjectively real memories of being taken secretly against one's will by apparently nonhuman entities and subjected to complex physical and psychological procedures".[1] Such abductions have sometimes been classified as close encounters of the fourth kind. People claiming to have been abducted are usually called "abductees"[2] or "experiencers".
Due to a lack of objective physical evidence, most scientists and mental health professionals dismiss the phenomenon as "deception, suggestibility (fantasy-proneness, hypnotizability, false memory syndrome), personality, sleep paralysis, psychopathology, psychodynamics [and] environmental factors".[3] Skeptic Robert Sheaffer sees similarity between the aliens depicted in science fiction films, in particular, Invaders From Mars, and some of those reported to have actually abducted people.[4]
Typical claims involve being subjected to forced medical examinations that emphasize abductee reproductive systems.[5] Abductees sometimes claim to have been warned against environmental abuse and the dangers of nuclear weapons.[6] While many of these claimed encounters are described as terrifying, some have been viewed as pleasurable or transformative.
The first alleged alien abduction claim to be widely publicized was the Betty and Barney Hill abduction in 1961.[7] Reports of the abduction phenomenon have been made around the world, but are most common in English speaking countries, especially the United States.[4] The contents of the abduction narrative often seem to vary with the home culture of the alleged abductee.[4]
Alien abductions have been the subject of conspiracy theories and science fiction storylines (notably The X-Files) that have speculated on stealth technology required if the phenomenon were real, the motivations for secrecy, and that alien implants could be a possible form of physical evidence
CUFOS definition of an abductee[8]
A person must be taken:
Against his or her will
From terrestrial surroundings
By non-human beings.
These beings must take the person to:
An enclosed place
Not terrestrial in appearance
Assumed or known to be an alien spacecraft by the witness.
In this place, the person must either:
Be subjected to an examination,
Engage in communication (verbal or telepathic),
Or both.
These experiences may be remembered:
Consciously
Or through methods of focused concentration, such as hypnosis.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3405110/You-t-scream-s-intruder-bedroom-terrifying-symptoms-sleep-paralysis-revealed.html\
Sleep paralysis introduction
Have you ever felt like you were awake but unable to move? You might have even felt afraid but could not call for help? This condition is called sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis may leave you feeling frightened, especially if you also see or hear things that aren't really there. Sleep paralysis may happen only once, or you may have it frequently -- even several times a night.
The good news: sleep paralysis is not considered a dangerous health problem. Read on to find out more about sleep paralysis, its possible causes, and its treatment.
Is sleep paralysis a symptom of a serious problem?
Sleep researchers conclude that, in most cases, sleep paralysis is simply a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Rarely is sleep paralysis linked to deep underlying psychiatric problems.
Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror.
What is sleep paralysis?
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Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, you may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an overpowering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain's ability to regulate sleep.
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Sleep Paralysis Definition
A frightening form of paralysis that occurs when a person suddenly finds himself or herself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis is due to an irregularity in passing between the stages of sleep and wakefulness.
The symptoms of sleep paralysis include sensations of noises, smells, levitation, paralysis, terror, and images of frightening intruders. Once considered very rare, up to half of all people are now believed to experience sleep paralysis sometime during their life. Sleep paralysis is not considered to be a sign of a serious condition, although it can be frightening.
SOURCE: MedTerms.com
Learn more about sleep paralysis »
When does sleep paralysis usually occur?
Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it's called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.
What happens with hypnagogic sleep paralysis?
As you fall asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually you become less aware, so you do not notice the change. However, if you remain or become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
What happens with hypnopompic sleep paralysis?
During sleep, your body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts about 90 minutes. NREM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During NREM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At the end of NREM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are "turned off" during REM sleep. If you become aware before the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
Who develops sleep paralysis?
Up to as many as four out of every 10 people may have sleep paralysis. This common condition is often first noticed in the teen years. But men and women of any age can have it. Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include:
a lack of sleep
a sleep schedule that changes
mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
sleeping on the back
other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
use of certain medications
substance abuse
How is sleep paralysis diagnosed?
If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Often there is no need to treat this condition. However, check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns:
you feel anxious about your symptoms
your symptoms leave you very tired during the day
your symptoms keep you up during the night
Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of these things:
ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks
discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders
refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation
conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder
How is sleep paralysis treated?START READ
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Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis. Treating any underlying conditions such as narcolepsy may help if you are anxious or unable to sleep well. These treatments may include the following:
improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night
using antidepressant medication to help regulate sleep cycles
treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis
treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps
Quick Guide Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More
What can I do about sleep paralysis?START READ
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There's no need to fear nighttime demons or alien abductors. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take steps at home to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress in your life -- especially just before bedtime. Try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back. And be sure to see your doctor if sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a good night's sleep.
WebMD Medical Reference SOURCES: American Academy of Sleep Medicine: "Sleep Paralysis." National Sleep Foundation: "Ask the Sleep Expert: Sleep & Parasomnias." National Sleep Foundation: "Sleep Paralysis." National Sleep Foundation: "Topics A to ZZZZs: Narcolepsy." National Sleep Foundation: "What Happens When You Sleep?" Reviewed by Louis R. Chanin, MD on March 03, 2010
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Sleep Paralysis Center
Reviewed on 3/19/2012 2:59:19 PM
References
WebMD Medical Reference SOURCES: American Academy of Sleep Medicine: "Sleep Paralysis." National Sleep Foundation: "Ask the Sleep Expert: Sleep & Parasomnias." National Sleep Foundation: "Sleep Paralysis." National Sleep Foundation: "Topics A to ZZZZs: Narcolepsy." National Sleep Foundation: "What Happens When You Sleep?" Reviewed by Louis R. Chanin, MD on March 03, 2010
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Antidepressants
Depression medications or antidepressants are drugs prescribed for treating depression. There are several types of drug classes of antidepressants including
tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs),
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Side effects depend on the medication prescribed. Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood-stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Drug Abuse
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Mental Health (Psychology)
Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under the umbrella of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and substance-abuse disorders are common types of mental illness. Symptoms and signs of mental illness include irritability, moodiness, insomnia, headaches, and sadness. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.
Mental Illness
Mental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influence the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or relates to others. Mental illness is caused by heredity, biology, psychological trauma and environmental stressors.
Narcolepsy
Causes of narcolepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, have not been fully determined. Some theories include abnormalities in hypocretin neurons in the brain or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
excessive daytime sleepiness,
cataplexy,
hypnagogic hallucinations,
sleep paralysis,
disturbed nocturnal sleep, and
automatic behavior.
Diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests. Treatments of narcolepsy symptoms include medication and lifestyle changes.
Problem Sleepiness
When sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called "problem sleepiness." A person can have problem sleepiness without realizing it. Symptoms of problem sleepiness include: consistently don't get enough sleep, or poor quality sleep, fall asleep while driving, struggle to stay awake when inactive (like watching TV or reading), have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home, have poor performance problems at work or school, have difficulty remembering things, have slowed responses, have difficulty controlling your emotions, and/or if you have to take naps on most days.
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Sleep
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include:
Irritability
Tiredness
Feeling sleepy during the day
Concentration or memory problems
Lack of sleep and insomnia can be caused by medical conditions or diseases, medications, stress, or pain. The treatment for lack of sleep and insomnia depends upon the cause.
Sleep Disorders
Learn about the different types of sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Explore the symptoms, causes, tests and treatments of sleep disorders.
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Stress
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
suvorexant belsomra
Belsomra (suvorexant) is a member of the hypnotic class of drugs used to treat insomnia. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
QUESTION:
What causes sleep paralysis?
ANSWER:
Quick Answer
NHS Choices states that sleep paralysis likely occurs when hormones released by the brain that cause one to fall sleep do not wear off upon the individual's awakening. Certain chemical hormones are necessary for a person to be asleep. If a person awakes, but the brain is still releasing these hormones, the person may find himself in a state of paralysis -- mentally awake, but unable to move.
WebMD explains that during rapid eye movement sleep, the part of sleep where people experience dreams, a person's eyes move around wildly, but the rest of the body remains still. If a person becomes conscious before a REM cycle finishes, he may still be unable to move or speak and experience sleep paralysis.
According to WebMD, there are two types of sleep paralysis: hypnagogic sleep paralysis and hypnopompic sleep paralysis. Hypnagogic sleep paralysis occurs while falling asleep, whereas hypnopompic sleep paralysis occurs while awakening. Both types can be frightening for the individual, and hallucinations during sleep paralysis have been reported.
Alien abductions and being visited by shadowy figures have been reported by people who scientists believe are suffering from sleep paralysis, notes WebMD. This is due to the mixed state of consciousness that is occurring, in which a person is conscious and dreaming at the same time.
