A Vision of My Dead Twin Sister
"Imagined waking up in the middle of the night and you can't move a muscle. Your mind is awake, but your body is still in REM sleep. You want to break free, but you can't. You try to scream, but you can't move your mouth. You try to move your body, but it's immobilized. You sense an intruder in your room and your mind signals a fight-or-flight response. Are you dying? Or stuck in another world? But suddenly, your mind and body are back in sync, and you can move again. What kind of experience was that? Scientists state that this is called sleep paralysis."
Warren Francesca (1907-2008)
Dr. Bridges
What's your name, young woman?
Patient #3
My name is Janet Francesca and I'm 45 years old. My father, Warren, died in 2008 from heart failure. I'm currently living in Raleigh with my daughter Helga because my old house in Delaware was destroyed by an earthquake. My daughter is attending school and she loves it a lot.
Dr. Bridges
That sounds great. So, what is your reasoning for speaking to me?
Janet Francesca
I'm glad that you ask that question. The reason why I wanted to speak to you is that I'm experiencing sleep paralysis. I was born with narcolepsy, and I suffered from it tremendously. Every time I sleep, I always hear weird voices within my room. I often ask myself, "Who's in my room?", "Am I hearing voices in my head? Or is it a lucid dream?" I was confused because I feel like I was living in a surreal world with no real logic.
Dr. Bridges
Well, what did you see in your room? Janet?
Janet Francesca
The room was pitch black, save for the light that was shining diagonally from my window. However, while I was still in REM sleep, I woke up at 3 a.m. finding myself still laying in bed with my eyes wide open. I couldn't move a muscle and I felt a demonic figure sitting on my chest, preventing me from breathing. It looked just like my twin sister Abigail only that it had horns and a pointy tail. It also maintained an evil grin that looked very chilling. It had the voice of my dead sister, only it sounds dark, uninviting, and melancholic. She told me she was going to get me. I feel like I was about to cry because I have a strong sense of fear when it comes to dealing with near-death experiences. I felt scared and unsecured because I feel like that demon was real. That's why I came here to ask your advice on how to prevent it from happening again.
Dr. Bridges
I feel so sorry about what you went through. Although, even if I'm not a medical counselor, I will provide you with some advice on how to overcome sleep paralysis.
Janet Francesca
I don't mind. I just want to get this off my chest.
Dr. Bridges
Ok. I'm going to go into full detail on what sleep paralysis is, but I will give you significant key points on what it entails and how you should cope with it.
Janet Francesca
Thank you, Mr. Bridges
Dr. Bridges
Your welcome, Janet. So, overall, sleep paralysis is a phenomenon where a victim is in-between stages of sleep and wakefulness. It often happens when the dream world intertwines with the real world, accompanied by fear-inducing hallucinations. You may feel a sense of fear, dread, and experience labored breathing.
Sleep paralysis can occur at any given time. Though, it is mostly linked to being born or diagnosed with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, stress, and negative thoughts may trigger sleep paralysis episodes. So, in order for you to overcome them, here are some helpful tips. Here's what I found online.
How to Cope with Sleep Paralysis?
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 if it is prescribed 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
What Can I Do To Prevent Sleep Paralysis?
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.
Janet Francesca
Thank you, Mr. Bridges. I'm glad you helped me out with my problem.
Mr. Bridges
You're welcome. Come visit me anytime.
Janet Francesca
Okay. See you.