What is Sleep Paralysis?

Paralysis during the sleep is a phenomenon in which an individual, either during falling asleep or awakening, briefly experiences an inability to move, speak, or react for a few seconds up to a few minutes. It is a transitional state between wakefulness and sleep.

What Happens with Hypnagogic or Hypnopompic Sleep Paralysis?
The underlying mechanism is believed to result from disrupted REM sleep, when there should be a general inability to move muscle to prevent the sleeper from acting out their dreams. Sleep paralysis occurs either when falling asleep, the person remains aware while the body shuts down for REM sleep, a condition called hypnagogic sleep paralysis. On the other hand, it may occurs upon awakening, the person becomes awake before the REM cycle is complete, and it is called hypnopompic.

Who Develops Sleep Paralysis?
About 8% of people experience sleep paralysis at one point in their life. This common condition is often first noticed in the teen years. However, men and women of any age can have it. Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include:
• Lack of sleep
• Sleep schedule that changes
• Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
• Sleeping on the back
• Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
• Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD
• Substance abuse

How is Sleep Paralysis Diagnosed?
Sleep paralysis is mainly diagnosed by ruling out other potential sleep disorders that could account for the feelings of paralysis. The main disorder that is checked for is narcolepsy due to the high prevalence of narcolepsy in conjunction with sleep paralysis.

How is Sleep Paralysis Treated?
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 about Sleep Paralysis?
There is 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. Moreover, be sure to see your doctor if sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Do you need a Sleep Test if this Occurred to you?

Most likely no need for one, to read more about sleep testing please… click here

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