5 Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is an unusual experience that often occurs early in the morning upon waking. Here, the individual will find themselves unable to move and feel as though they are frozen in the spot – which can be very frightening the first time it occurs.
The experience is made worse too, by the common sensation of a ‘ghostly presence’. Many people will wake on their front and feel as though someone is standing behind them watching them. It can also be accompanied by night terrors.
Again, sleep paralysis can be seen as the opposite of cataplexy, caused by a similar hormonal/neurotransmitter imbalance. Here, the body’s natural tendency to lock the body during sleep (to prevent acting out the dreams) simply does not turn off properly upon waking.