Writing.Com General Discussion

I think it depends on type of story. There are obvious physiological responses that are somewhat constrained yet evident through the muscular immobility brought on by REM sleep that have already been described. If this is a kid's story, then the breathing and perhaps strained look of a disquieted sleep would be enough.

If you're writing about some descent into flesh-eating (or perhaps just flesh preserving in small ziplock bags for a sequel) insanity, then i'd showcase the full fury of the sympathetic nervous system. Nails drawing blood from the palms, heavy jaw grinding. You could even do an eyes-wide open, blanched face screaming in silent horror. Paralyzed. People do all sorts of weird stuff when they sleep.