The sleeper remains paralysed though conscious. Because patients have little sensation from their body, then if they are lying on their backs, it can feel like someone is sitting on their chest. Eventually the paralysis departs and normal functions can be resumed. Often, sleep paralysis experiences can be accompanied by very vivid dreams, occuring while the sleeper is quite concious. These dreams are known as hypnopompic or hypnogogic dreams.
People can easily mistake a hypnogogic dream as an actual experience.
If you are experiencing these kinds of dreams or hallucinations, then the condition may be narcoleptic, and you might want to consult a doctor. Copyright 1998-1999, Room103 group. Don't steal this. All rights reserved. Silica Gel - do not eat.