Sleep paralysis occurs when a person wakes up before the REM phase is complete. We are aware, but our body cannot move because the muscle is not active. This can last for one to two minutes. They also feel pressure on the chest or feel choking.

In the past, there was an assumption that sleep paralysis was caused by an evil spirit that held a person unable to rise from sleep or occupy his chest. This is associated with hallucinations that arise, because the brain is actually still in a dreaming position. Some claim to see ghosts, demons, or other strange sightings.

Though the cause is not that. The causes of sleep paralysis include lack of sleep, because of taking medication, and other sleep disorders such as sudden breathing problems.

"Sleep paralysis is also often experienced by narcolepsy patients," said Dr. Shelby Harris of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Health System in the Bronx, New York, as quoted by Live Science, recently. Narcolepsy is a disease that can make a person sleep unexpectedly and uncontrollably.

This condition generally affects young people, aged 10-25 years. Sleep paralysis is also often experienced by those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder or those who are easily panicked, as reported by the National Institutes of Health report.

Sleep paralysis can also be experienced due to hereditary factors, although his research is very early.

For most people, this disorder has no cure. There is only to prevent and examine the cause. When you experience that, check whether you are having sleep problems. For example, you lack sleep because you are too busy studying or working until late, or you are experiencing a serious sleep disorder.

If you have experienced it, it is recommended that you begin to sleep regularly and adequately. Avoid alcohol, nicotine and drugs at night. Don't drink coffee after 2:00 p.m. and turn off your electronic equipment if you are going to sleep. Now, when you experience sleep paralysis, stay calm and realize that it will end soon.