Why Dream And Paralysis Must Coexist While Sleeping Under REM

The word Paralysis fathoms universal concern, however it is a blessing when coupled with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. A body at complete rest and relaxed muscles while sleeping under REM is a healthy sign while its opposite is a serious disorder.

Its a known fact that Sleep affects both physical and mental health. From professional productiveness to personal peace a quality sleep is essential. According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), While we are awake a chemical known as adenosine builds up in our blood and causes drowsiness and as we sleep this chemical breaks down.

The Sleep cycle is categorised by different phases and Rapid Eye Moment is one of them. Its usually the later half of the night that triggers REM. This phase also knows as Paradoxical Sleep is distinguished by the contrast of relaxing muscles and highly active eyes and brain.

'Pons' is an area at the base of the brain which signals the beginning of REM sleep. Apart from sending the command to the brain, Pons also temporarily paralyses the limb muscles by switching off the neurons in the spinal chord. This is why we are in a state of rest even while dreaming the wildest of dreams.

However if there is any issue with this mechanism of Paralysis during REM, People begin to physically act out their dreams. There is physical response to the actions in dream and its not just disturbing but possibly dangerous too.

According to Medical News Today the people suffering from REM Sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) talk, kick, punch and even jump out of their bed while dreaming. The resulting action can be dangerous for themselves and others in the vicinity.

RBD is classified under parasominia, a sleep related disorder. It usually appears around 5o years of age followed by Parkinson's like symptoms within a decade of its diagnosis. RBD is further linked to Brain stem tumors, Multiple system antrophy, Lewy body dementia and Narcolepsy.