I can't move. Why can't I move? What's wrong with me? I had never experienced such an extreme pain like this before. It felt like the weight of the world was resting on my chest, preventing me from moving my body. My mind flooded with irrelevant thoughts that seemed to be attacking me from all directions.

Each thought pierced me with such intensity. It was as if these thoughts were in the form of needles, surrounded my being. My mind was in hyper speed, and I didn't know how to stop it. I can vaguely remember images of trains coming full force towards me; however, they completely vanished before being able to harm me.

What seemed like hours turned out to be only mere minutes— in the blink of the eye it was over. The pain ceased to exist, as well as the thoughts that I can't seem to conceptualize to this day. This paralyzing experience has never left my mind since.

Sleep paralysis is common among individuals of all ages. It is described as a sensation of being conscious with the inability to move or speak. In most cases, many experience sleep paralysis because their brain isn't parallel to the rest of the body. This experience is a normal occurrence that bares no need for one to be overly concerned. However, its still helpful if one knows how to combat this condition.

Treating sleep paralysis is quite simple. One should be mindful of their sleeping patterns and attempt to go to bed at the same time everyday. Most importantly, try to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks before bed.

If one should ever experience sleep paralysis, there are ways to break the paralysis and to end the attack. Try to concentrate on a part of your body such as a finger or toe. Any kind of small movement has the ability to end the episode.

If anything, one of the important things to do is to remain calm. Relaxing and maintaining a steady breathing flow can shorten the length of the attack and weaken the intensity of it.

Sweet dreams!