Dr. Bridges
Mr. Pittsburgh? Why don't you tell me about your experience of hallucinating the Apocalypse?
Nightingale
Ok. I went to bed around 11:00 p.m. after I was done studying the Revelation chapters that my father had lectured me on. Although I was interested in knowing about Armageddon, my eyes were bloodshot and bags were forming underneath my eyes. However, in order to grasp the knowledge, I have to take a lot of notes in my notebook. I kept yawning as I was finishing up my work. My brain demanded me to get enough sleep so that I don't end up being deprived of sleep. So, after I was done writing in my notebook, I drove back home to get some shut-eye. My mind was screaming "Yes. I'm finally back home. Now, I can get 6-8 hours of sleep so that I can be more active in the morning. Next time, I won't stay up late and feel tired the next day." As I was sleeping in my bed, I begin to experience something rather strange.
Dr. Bridges
What do you experience as you were sleeping?
Nightingale
Well, when I was in the middle of REM sleep, I couldn't move my entire body. However, the only thing that was awake was my mind. I was aware of my surroundings, but I had the inability to move my muscles. I felt like my throat was closing in, preventing me from breathing. As I was paralyzed in my bed, my room began to grow dark as a pool of blood rises from the carpet. I saw Times Square in flames as the buildings collapsed and the people begin to die in rather gruesome ways. Also, I sensed a young child that resembled my oldest daughter Valerie. My son Cody began screaming, running towards his sister in the pool of blood while another young boy proceeded to cut his wrist to fill the chalice with blood. I, myself, tried to scream to beg the boy to stop, but I couldn't say a word. Then, while Cody was running as fast as he can to save his sister, the boy grabbed Valerie by the chin and forced her to drink his blood. Because of this, her body begins to explode. What's even more terrifying is that I had to experience this with my eyes wide open. I was so terrified that tears start to form in my eyes. Cody, horrified by what he witnessed, rushed and grabbed his bloodied sister in his arms as he started to cry. It was a horrifying moment for me because it felt so real. I'm afraid that this prediction may come true nine years from now. Can you help me?
Dr. Bridges
Okay. Here are the steps that you need to follow that I used for my other patient Janet Francesca.
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.
Nightingale
Thank you so much for those tips. I'll go back home and get enough sleep.
Dr. Bridges
Thank you. Come again.
Dr. Bridges
Hmmm... The end of the world? It's finally come to fruition.