^

Health

A
A
A

Old witch syndrome

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Nightmares are quite common, especially in impressionable people. If these nightmares seem too vivid, accompanied by suffocation and inability to move (paralysis), they receive a special name - the old hag syndrome.

The strangeness of the name of this condition is explained by people's attraction to mysticism. One only has to encounter a phenomenon that is inexplicable at first glance, and it immediately becomes overgrown with the most incredible mystical explanations.

The same thing happened with the phenomenon that in medicine is called sleep paralysis. It has been called the old witch, or the old witch syndrome, since ancient times, when people sacredly believed in the existence of evil spirits. Moreover, nightmares that arise on the border between sleep and reality, often accompanied by visual and auditory hallucinations, in various nations were attributed to the tricks of a witch or a brownie (in Rus'), or the evil jokes of a genie (in the countries of the East), or the machinations of the devil himself (religious version).

Epidemiology

The "lucky ones" who encounter such a phenomenon once or several times in their lives are mostly teenagers or young people under 25, whose lives are full of impressions and experiences. People of mature age encounter such a phenomenon much less often, and most often it happens against the background of stress, moving, foreign business trips or watching TV shows with scenes of horror or violence.

Old hag syndrome is not uncommon among people who are easily influenced by others, impressionable and withdrawn individuals. It can also be a "side effect" of nervous tension or chronic fatigue.

According to various sources, the percentage of people who have experienced the horror of sleep paralysis at least once fluctuates between 20-60%. Visions can be very diverse, ranging from religious and mystical images to modern ideas about inhabitants of other planets. The content of a realistic dream is a game of the imagination of a specific individual, based on personal experiences, transformed information received on the eve of the event, as well as mental characteristics.

There are statistics that show that the likelihood of developing old hag syndrome is higher in those who sleep on their backs, although there is still no logical explanation for this.

trusted-source[ 1 ]

Causes of old witch syndrome

In fact, sleep paralysis, or the old witch syndrome, is a harmless borderline condition that has nothing to do with the influence of mystical characters. It is a kind of game of consciousness and subconsciousness in impressionable people or people under stress, when real phenomena are intertwined with residual images of dreams.

The causes of the old witch syndrome can be different. They are associated with both the physiological and psychological state of the body. Most often, the occurrence of sleep paralysis is associated with increased excitability of the nervous system or excessive sensitivity. There are frequent cases of this condition occurring against the background of a lack of night rest associated with stress and worries, both against the background of illness and on work grounds and in personal life. Painful sensations and negative thoughts during the period of falling asleep easily result in nightmares, continuing during the period of awakening from sleep and paralyzing the whole body.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing old witch syndrome may include:

  • jet lag, which causes disruptions in sleep and wake patterns,
  • transition to summer or winter time,
  • narcolepsy, or chronic sleepiness,
  • alcohol, nicotine or drug addiction,
  • gambling addiction,
  • various mental disorders,
  • overeating at night and certain food preferences that affect the quality of sleep (coffee, spicy foods and some spices, and even chocolate with its amazing short-term sleep-inducing and long-term invigorating effect),
  • genetic predisposition.

As strange as it may sound, sleep paralysis is sometimes observed while taking certain antidepressants and sedatives.

trusted-source[ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Pathogenesis

Sleep paralysis is not a disease in the literal sense of the word. It is not on the international list of diseases. This pathological condition is not life-threatening, no matter how often it occurs. However, it can be very frightening for anyone experiencing it for the first time.

The thing is that the old witch syndrome occurs in the REM sleep phase, when a person's sleep is not deep, and the state is close to awakening. At this point, real images join the subconscious visions, but the muscles remain relaxed. Such untimely awakening leads to the fact that different parts of the brain are not activated simultaneously, first the part of the brain responsible for consciousness starts working, and after a short time, motor functions are also launched.

Since consciousness begins active activity earlier, a person begins to be frightened by the fact that he cannot move. The subconscious draws the missing details: frightening shadows, mysterious sounds and visions.

The feeling of pressure in the chest area, as well as suffocation, sometimes accompanying sleep paralysis, also most often have no real basis, but are a kind of hallucination, reinforced by the fear of immobilization. A person may feel that he is being strangled by some dark entities, in fact, neither a witch, supposedly sitting on a person's chest and drinking all his strength, nor alien guests conducting their scientific experiments on earthlings, have anything to do with it.

It is precisely awakening in the REM sleep phase against the background of a rich imagination that causes such "terrible", frightening effects, which can last from several seconds to 1-2 minutes. Many scientists do not consider this condition to be an abnormality. This is a normal reaction of the body to premature awakening, and it is very rarely associated with any mental abnormalities.

Interestingly, forced awakening by means of sharp sounds is not capable of causing sleep paralysis. Such a phenomenon is observed only during the early natural transition from sleep to wakefulness, caused by shifts in the phases of slow and rapid sleep, when dreams of the slow phase are supplemented by real images and imaginary sensations.

trusted-source[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Symptoms of old witch syndrome

The Old Witch Syndrome can manifest itself differently in each individual. Some people may perceive what is happening calmly, without actually observing anything out of the ordinary, while others wake up in a cold sweat from the sensations they have experienced.

Sleep scientists distinguish two types of sleep paralysis depending on the time of day it occurs:

  • hypnagogic (falling asleep phase)
  • hypnopompic (awakening phase).

The first, sometimes called semi-conscious, can occur if a person wakes up at the very moment of falling asleep. It usually occurs in a mild form, when a person is aware of what is happening around him, but is unable to move or say anything. After this, normal sleep occurs.

Hypnopompic sleep paralysis, which occurs before full awakening at the end of the REM stage, is characterized by more intense sensations. It is more characterized by fears and visions, as well as suffocation and auditory hallucinations.

There is a division of the state of sleep paralysis by frequency and intensity. This is how the concepts of isolated and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis arose. The first occurs in healthy people 1-2 times in life, does not last long and is not distinguished by a great saturation of visions.

The second, recurrent, can haunt a person all his life. It is characterized by visions saturated with colors and events, which sometimes last even more than 2 minutes. Sometimes a person may have a feeling that his consciousness leaves the body for some time.

Despite the variety of images and sensations that accompany sleep paralysis, it is possible to identify some symptoms of the old witch syndrome that allow one to diagnose this sleep disorder:

  • a borderline state between sleep and reality, when a person seems to be conscious, but is unable to fully navigate the situation and influence it,
  • inability to move arms, legs, head, move the body or say anything (sometimes the mobility of the fingers and hands is preserved),
  • panic fear of what is happening,
  • hallucinations (most often in visions people see dark angels, monsters, mythical creatures trying to harm the sleeper),
  • difficulty breathing and a feeling as if someone strong is pressing on the chest or squeezing the throat,
  • rapid heartbeat, sometimes they say that the heart is “pounding”, almost jumping out,
  • sometimes a certain disorientation in space is observed,
  • a person feels like he can move and influence events, but something is stopping him,
  • a feeling of the presence of other entities in the room,
  • a feeling of separation of body and mind,
  • aggravation of auditory sensations and reactions to extraneous sounds, the appearance of auditory hallucinations,
  • vivid and colorful realistic dreams accompanying a motionless state,
  • Sometimes, on this basis, noticeable sexual arousal can be observed.

Sleep paralysis itself can be a manifestation of certain mental illnesses and sleep pathologies (sleepwalking, narcolepsy). For example, the same symptoms as in the old witch syndrome (OWS) are observed in narcolepsy, which is one of the diseases of the nervous system. But the first (and main) signs of this pathology - frequently repeated attacks of daytime sleepiness - are absent in OWS.

Diagnostics of old witch syndrome

In addition to narcolepsy and somnambulism, sleep paralysis may accompany other diseases that require specialist observation. For example, such a symptom is characteristic of the clinical course of depressive states, migraines, obstructive apnea (stopping breathing) during sleep, hypertension (increased pressure in the vessels and cavities of the body), anxiety disorders, mental pathologies. This is the determining factor in the diagnosis of sleep paralysis.

The old witch syndrome itself does not pose a danger to human life and health, unless, of course, the person suffers from severe heart disease. But the diseases that accompany it may need serious treatment. The diagnosis of the old witch syndrome is aimed at identifying such pathologies.

There are no special methods for identifying this sleep disorder in medicine. The diagnosis is based on the results of differential diagnostics, and most often sounds like "parasomnia". This term in medicine refers to various types of sleep disorders.

The diagnosis of sleep apnea is based on collecting anamnesis, i.e. questioning the patient about his feelings, heredity, occupation, medications taken, etc. Sometimes additional sleep studies may be required to get a full picture of the existing pathology. To get a diagnosis, you can contact doctors who specialize in sleep and human psyche: a somnologist or psychotherapist. You should contact them at least to exclude the likelihood of developing serious diseases.

Sleep paralysis itself does not require any specific treatment and cannot cause serious complications (except for situations with a weak heart). However, if left to its own devices, it can have unpleasant consequences in the form of chronic sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression. All this is associated with an unfounded fear that such phenomena are the cause of mental disorders. Many people are afraid that if the symptoms recur, they can die in their sleep or simply fall into a lethargic sleep. These suspicions are absurd, but they can cause a state of anxiety and worry that affects the quality of life of a completely healthy person.

trusted-source[ 8 ]

Who to contact?

Treatment of old witch syndrome

Since sleep paralysis is not a full-fledged disease, there is no talk of classical treatment. Old witch syndrome is considered a common sleep rhythm disorder caused by fatigue or overexcitement of the psyche, which means it is worth eliminating the cause, and such a "pleasure" as sleep paralysis will disturb a person much less.

And the reasons are clear - lack of sleep and rest plus anxiety. These are exactly what we need to fight. Most often, there is no need to resort to drug treatment; it is enough to adjust the daily routine and change the attitude to what is happening. But if such treatment does not bring results, doctors can prescribe drugs with a sedative (calming) and mild hypnotic effect. In isolated cases of SSV, there is no need for treatment.

One of the popular drugs with extensive advertising promising fast and restful sleep is "Sondox". This drug is specially designed to correct sleep without changing its phases. It helps to fall asleep quickly and fully rest for at least 7 hours.

The drug is intended for people with sleep problems over 15 years of age. It is contraindicated for patients with closed-angle glaucoma, urination disorders (whatever the cause), individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Prostate adenoma in men and the lactation period in women also make the use of this sleeping pill unacceptable.

The drug does not have a negative effect on the fetus, and yet during pregnancy, the use of Sondox is possible only on the advice of a doctor.

Dosage and method of administration. To correct sleep in case of SSW, the drug is taken shortly before a night's rest, 20-30 minutes before going to bed. The usual dose is 1 tablet, but in some cases it can vary from 0.5 to 2 tablets per dose.

Some side effects of the drug explain its contraindications. These are visual and orientation disturbances, as well as problems with urination. In addition, there may be noticeable dryness of the oral mucosa. There is also a certain probability of dizziness and constipation.

Precautions: Due to possible dizziness, to avoid falls and injuries, it is not advisable to move actively or make sudden movements after waking up and getting out of bed.

The use of the drug together with M-anticholinergics (for example, atropine) may cause an increase in some side effects, and alcohol will enhance the sedative effect of Sondox and make it impossible to perform work that requires concentration.

It is unacceptable to use the drug after the expiration date and in doses exceeding the doctor's prescription. The latter may cause an overdose of the drug with dangerous consequences.

If the cause of the old witch syndrome is stress and nervous exhaustion, tranquilizers, such as Quattrex, can be prescribed as an effective therapeutic agent. This drug is not specific in the treatment of sleep disorders, but it has a noticeable restorative effect on the nervous system. A person feels quite active and cheerful, psycho-emotional stress is significantly reduced, fears and anxiety go away, and sleep is normalized accordingly.

This drug can be prescribed to patients over 11 years of age who do not suffer from renal failure and hypersensitivity to the drug. You should not get carried away with it during pregnancy and lactation, since there is not enough information about the effect of active substances on the child.

Dosage and method of administration. For the treatment of sleep pathologies, the drug is prescribed in doses not exceeding 3 capsules per dose, provided that the drug is used 2-3 times a day. The capsules should not be chewed, they should be swallowed whole, washed down with a sufficient amount of clean water. The course of treatment with the drug can be from 2 to 6 weeks.

Allergic reactions to treatment with Quattrex are extremely rare, but at the beginning of taking the drug, drowsiness may occur, to which dizziness, slight headache and nausea are added. Side effects of the drug are often limited to the first use.

Precautions: The drug may affect concentration, especially if side effects occur.

Patients with gastrointestinal disorders should be especially careful when taking Quattrex due to the irritating effect of the drug on the mucous membranes.

"Phenobarbital" is also an effective remedy for SVS due to its sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant effects. It quickly relieves symptoms of anxiety and fear and normalizes night sleep. Available on prescription.

The disadvantage of this drug is a significant number of contraindications, which you must be familiar with by reading the instructions for Phenobarbital before starting to take it.

The drug is intended for adults. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the desired result. Usually, to normalize sleep, 1-2 tablets are prescribed before bedtime (half an hour to an hour before the start of a night's rest), and as a sedative, Phenobarbital is used half a tablet 2 or 3 times a day.

Precautions. To achieve a good effect from treatment, it is necessary to take into account the drug interaction with other drugs, since Phenobarbital can increase the effectiveness of some drugs and reduce others. This information is in the instructions for the drug.

The drug belongs to the group of potent and even poisonous agents. Its long-term use and use during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not recommended.

Affects the reaction rate. Stopping treatment with the drug should be gradual with a reduction in dosage to avoid withdrawal syndrome and the return of some symptoms of CVS.

The drug "Melaxen" is interesting in terms of the effect it produces. Its active ingredient, melatonin, is a synthetic analogue of the pineal gland hormone that is responsible for normalizing the body's biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle.

Taking the drug allows you to speed up the process of falling asleep, make sleep sound enough and reduce the likelihood of unplanned awakenings. "Melaxen" is not addictive and makes waking up easy and pleasant. It can be used as a preventive measure against CVD when moving with a change in time zones or to reduce the load on the nervous system during stress.

Contraindications to the use of the drug include childhood, pregnancy and breastfeeding, severe kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, oncological blood diseases, diseases caused by disorders in the immune system, allergic and other reactions due to hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

The use of the drug may cause the following side effects: headaches and drowsiness in the morning, some gastrointestinal disorders, as well as minor swelling at the beginning of taking the drug.

The dosage and method of administration of the drug is determined by the doctor and does not exceed 2 tablets per day. The tablets should be taken once a day about half an hour before going to bed. As a preventive measure, the drug is taken the day before a flight or move, a day before the event, and then for 2-5 days in the usual dosage: 1 tablet before bed.

Precautions: It is unacceptable to take the drug in parallel with hormonal agents, MAO inhibitors, GCS and cyclosporine.

During the period of taking Melaxen, sensitivity to light increases, so it is not advisable to stay in bright light for a long time.

Affects reaction speed. Has a slight contraceptive effect, so it can negatively affect the likelihood of conceiving a child.

In addition to drugs with sedative and hypnotic effects to regulate sleep, doctors prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes containing sufficient amounts of vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron and copper.

Along with drug treatment, in some cases physiotherapy treatment of SVV may be prescribed, allowing to safely and effectively normalize sleep and mental state of the patient. Most often, such treatment is prescribed as part of a stay at specialized resorts, where physical procedures are combined with correction of the daily routine and biological rhythms.

Effective methods of physiotherapy for SWS include massage, water treatments, reflexology, magnetic therapy, and electrosleep. Mineral and herbal baths have a positive effect on sleep disorders.

Folk remedies for old witch syndrome

Sleep paralysis is a normal variant, and there is simply no point in treating something that is already considered normal. However, with the help of traditional and folk treatment, you can significantly improve the quality of sleep and strengthen the nervous system, which will help to significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence of such an unpleasant half-asleep state, which is the old witch syndrome.

At the same time, folk medicine in this situation is not only no less effective than the achievements of pharmaceutical science, but also quite pleasant. And, moreover, absolutely harmless.

Take, for example, the same honey. Many have heard about the healing properties of honey, but not everyone knows that it is a delicious sleeping pill. But there are many recipes for drinks based on the exquisite delicacy given to us by bees, and these aromatic drinks will help relieve stress and enjoy a deep, restful sleep.

And here it is a matter of taste. A teaspoon of honey can be dissolved in a glass of warm water, milk or kefir, drink the resulting drink before bed and receive as a gift several hours of peaceful night's rest, unburdened by the symptoms of the old witch syndrome.

Sometimes cucumber brine is used as a base for the drink, with a tablespoon of honey dissolved in it. This is an excellent remedy for improving sleep when there is a rush of blood to the head, as well as for relieving the intestines from processed food products.

To enhance the sedative and hypnotic effect of honey, you can use natural apple cider vinegar. 3 teaspoons of vinegar added to a glass of honey will make the sweet medicine more effective and your sleep more sound.

Not only honey is famous for its wonderful calming effect. For example, beetroot is not only good for your intestines, but also a kind of vitamin for the nervous system. Beetroot, including young tops, is useful in any form. You can eat it as a separate dish or as part of other dishes. Beetroot juice is very popular. A third of a glass of beetroot juice mixed with other juices will saturate your body with vitamins and significantly improve the health of the nervous system. And strong nerves are the key to good sleep.

Dill is considered a fragrant seasoning for dishes, but it is also an excellent remedy for good sleep. To do this, you need to grind fresh dill grass or seeds, and pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of raw materials. It is recommended to drink such an unusual drink before meals, ½ glass (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drink 1 glass of the drink half an hour before bed.

In folk medicine, the treatment of sleep pathologies with aromatic oils is popular. They are added to the bath, they are used to lubricate the temples and complement the soothing herbal composition that is filled into pillows, promoting rapid falling asleep and sound sleep.

trusted-source[ 9 ]

Treating Old Witch Syndrome with Herbs and Homeopathic Remedies

Decent results in correcting sleep disorders are also given by treatment with herbs that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which, of course, affects the quality of sleep. Such herbs include sage, mint and lemon balm, valerian, hops, savory, oregano, motherwort, wormwood.

Despite the fact that wormwood is a rather poisonous herb and requires special care in use, it is considered one of the best means for improving sleep. For these purposes, either an infusion of the herb or roots is used (1-2 tablespoons of raw materials per 2 cups of boiling water), or oil from the seeds of the bitter herb (1 tablespoon of crushed seeds per 4 tablespoons of any vegetable oil).

Medicinal herbs can be used in the form of decoctions and infusions, as well as in the composition of sedative mixtures, which, by the way, can be purchased at any pharmacy. Lavender, thyme, mint, hops and other herbs with a pleasant aroma are also an excellent filler for "sleeping" pillows. It is enough to choose a suitable, unobtrusive aroma that will help you to quickly plunge into the sweet embrace of Morpheus.

Medicinal herbs and infusions are the basis of many homeopathic remedies used in the treatment of the old witch syndrome. The most popular of these remedies is the homeopathic drug "Notta", which helps to significantly reduce nervous tension and normalize the physiological rhythm of sleep. In its composition we can see oats, chamomile, transformed valerian extract.

This drug is intended to reduce mental stress and nervous excitability in adults and children over 3 years of age. It is available in the form of tablets and a solution for internal use.

The absence of contraindications, except for hypersensitivity to the drug, as well as side effects, makes taking the drug safe and comfortable. The drug in tablets is intended for the treatment of adults, drops are suitable for absolutely everyone.

The dosage of the drug is standard. For adults and children over 12 years old, 1 tablet (10 drops) is enough for a single dose, children from 3 to 12 years old are prescribed 5 drops diluted in a spoon of water at a time. Tablets and drops should be taken half an hour before meals or an hour after. Homeopathic tablets should be placed under the tongue and held there until completely dissolved.

The drug does not exclude the possibility of its use for the treatment of children under 3 years of age after prior consultation with a specialist doctor.

An equally popular drug based on valerian and lemon balm, "Dormiplant", thanks to its sedative effect, is successfully used to prevent the symptoms of the old witch syndrome. Like the previous drug, it quickly relieves nervous tension and speeds up falling asleep.

The drug can be used in the treatment of sleep disorders in individuals over 6 years of age. Treatment with the drug is not recommended in cases of liver failure or a high probability of reactions of intolerance to the components of the drug. During pregnancy and lactation, a doctor's consultation is required.

Dosage and method of administration. As a sedative, the drug is used twice a day, 2 tablets at a time; in case of sleep disorders, a single dose of the standard dose (2 tablets) half an hour before going to bed is sufficient.

Precautions: Do not take for more than two months or before performing activities that require increased attention.

In the popular herbal medicine "Persen", peppermint is added to valerian and lemon balm, providing the medicine with both a sedative and antispasmodic effect. The medicine effectively combats irritability, anxiety and related problems with falling asleep.

It is used to treat people over 12 years of age who do not suffer from lactose and fructose intolerance, low blood pressure and biliary tract diseases. It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and, of course, if you have an intolerance to the components of the drug.

Side effects of the drug are usually associated with allergic predisposition.

The method of administration and dosage of "Persen" are identical to the previous drug. The maximum daily dose is 12 tablets.

The combined herbal preparation "Sedavit", in addition to extracts of valerian, hawthorn, hops, mint and St. John's wort, contains vitamins B6 and PP, which help improve the quality of sleep, reduce anxiety, improve memory and attention.

The drug is produced in the form of tablets or drops for internal use. It is not intended for the treatment of persons under 12 years of age, patients with coronary heart disease, asthma, myasthenia, liver disease and ulcerative gastrointestinal lesions. Depressive states are also a contraindication to the use of "Sedavit".

Side effects of the drug are rare and may include muscle weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, changes in stool quality, dizziness, drowsiness, and allergic reactions. These symptoms usually require discontinuation of the drug.

The dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.

Precautions: During pregnancy and lactation, the use of the drug is possible only on the advice of a doctor.

It is prohibited to take the drug in parallel with medications containing levodopa.

It is also worth mentioning the Ayurvedic herbal preparation "Stress Veda", one of the components of which is the same valerian. This preparation, in addition to the sedative and hypnotic effect necessary to combat the old witch syndrome, also has a lot of useful properties that help strengthen and rejuvenate the body.

The drug has no specific contraindications or side effects.

Taking this herbal preparation is recommended for 1 month. Such courses can be repeated 2-3 times during the year. Recommended dose: 1 tablet (capsule) 2 or 3 times a day. Tablets should be taken before meals (15 minutes before meals), washed down with a sufficient amount of clean water.

To normalize sleep cycles and improve sleep onset, take one or two tablets one hour before bedtime.

If for some reason all of the above medications are unavailable to you, then a familiar to both adults and children "cat" drug will always come to the rescue - valerian in the form of tablets or liquid extract, which can be found in literally every home medicine cabinet or purchased at any pharmacy. This cheap medicine will calm your nerves and give you a sweet sleep no worse than expensive ones.

Prevention

Most often, therapy is limited to advice on creating a proper daily routine with sufficient time for rest. But it happens that positive results are only achieved by complex measures, including medication, physiotherapy, and folk remedies. Sometimes, in stressful situations or increased anxiety, psychotherapy sessions may be needed. Surgical treatment for sleep paralysis, unless it accompanies more serious pathologies, is not practiced, since there are no indications for this.

There are some other measures based on the experience of ordinary people that will help prevent the recurrence of the symptoms of the old witch syndrome. Doctors also agree with the effectiveness of these tips and consider them, among other things, excellent preventive measures to prevent the onset of sleep paralysis. So:

  1. Create a daily routine in which the time of going to bed will be constant on weekdays and weekends. Learn to get up when the alarm goes off.
  2. Make it a rule to jog in the morning and walk in the fresh air in the evening. Learn to listen to nature during them.
  3. Take up handicrafts as a hobby, which are great for calming the nervous system due to the repetitive actions and finger massage.
  4. Before going to bed, take a bath, the water in which should be slightly cool, but in no case hot. Add a decoction of medicinal herbs or a drop of your favorite essential oil with a light, pleasant smell to the water.
  5. What else can influence a person's internal state as music does? It can be both energetic, stimulating to action, and gentle, relaxing, capable of calming raging nerves. Sounds of nature recorded on electronic media, as well as classical music, also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
  6. Bed is not a place for thinking and making plans. Before falling asleep, try to think about something abstract, rather than planning tomorrow or reliving today.
  7. Try changing your usual body position from “lying on your back” to another one, in which the likelihood of sleep paralysis occurring is much lower.
  8. Try not to eat before bed. If you have certain stomach problems, limit yourself to light food. And remember, dinner is not the time for heavy, fatty food.
  9. Don't be shy about taking soft toys to bed, wearing fluffy colorful pajamas, or using "non-serious" bed linen. It's your bed, and you should feel as comfortable and cozy as possible in it.

As you can see, everything is extremely simple, and if these tips do not help you stop the old witch syndrome, then they will certainly scare the “evil old woman”, and she will visit you much less often.

trusted-source[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Forecast

In principle, the old witch syndrome itself is not dangerous to health. Its treatment is carried out with frequently recurring symptoms and is aimed at reducing the number of repetitions of such an unpleasant, frightening condition. The prognosis for the treatment of this sleep pathology is always positive.

trusted-source[ 13 ]

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.