Sleep Paralysis
Sleep Paralysis is the sense of being awake, but you are unable to move or speak during sleep. It happens while a person transitions from consciousness to sleep. You could be immobile or mute throughout these changes for a brief moment to many minutes. Others could experience pressure or a feeling of choking. Other sleep disorders like narcolepsy may also be followed by paralytic attack during sleep. The excessive need to sleep that characterizes narcolepsy is brought on by a malfunction in the brain’s capacity to control sleep.
When you have attack during sleep, you cannot talk or move when you are waking up or nodding off. Although it might be frightening, it’s completely safe, and most individuals only have it once or twice in their lifetime.
When does Sleep Paralysis occur?
It is noted that one of two times Sleep Paralysis happens in a person. If an sleep attack happens at the time when you are about to fall sleep it is known as Hypnagogic of Predormital Paralysis. but if it occurs when you wake up then it is referred to as Hypnopompic or Postdormital paralysis.
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1. Hypnagogic Sleep Paralysis
Your body slowly drift towards relaxation while you sleep. Typically, you lose awareness and fail to notice the shift. While drifting off to sleep, you could discover that you cannot move or communicate.
2. Hypnopompic Sleep Paralysis
Your body switches multiple times between REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep during sleep phase. REM and NREM sleep cycles endure for roughly 90 minutes. NREM sleep starts and can last up to 75% of your total sleep period. Your body relaxes and heals itself when you sleep in the NREM cycle. Your sleep transitions to REM at the end of NREM. While your eyes are moving swiftly and you have dreams, your body is still extremely calm. During REM sleep, your muscles are “turned off”. If you awaken before the REM cycle is over, you could find that you cannot move or talk.
What are Common Causes of Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep Attacks may affect up to four out of every ten persons. Often, teens are the ones who first detect this widespread problem. But it is accessible to all genders, regardless of age. A family history of being paralyzed during sleep may be the reason. Additional factors that might cause sleep paralysis include:
- insomnia –Lack of Sleep
- narcolepsy – a long-term condition that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep
- anxiety disorders – Anxiety is normal in daily life events like moving, shifting from a job or financial problems. However, anxiety symptoms may indicate an anxiety disorder if they outgrow the circumstances that caused them and start negatively impacting your life.
- Major depression – persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods
- Bipolar disorder – involves significantly high and low moods
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – results due to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
- Genetic Problem –Family History of Sleep attacks
- Poor Sleep Hygiene – Not having a proper bed or proper sleep habits.
- Abusing drugs – Drugs and
Treatment of Sleep Paralysis
Most persons with sleep attacks don’t require any treatment. If you have trouble falling asleep or are anxious, you may find relief by treating any underlying problems, such as narcolepsy. These treatments could consist of the following:
Changing your sleep schedules to ensure you receive six to eight hours a night of sleep. The 7 hours of sleep is considered suitable for health.
Whenever antidepressants are prescribed to help improve sleep cycles, taking them as directed
Treating any mental health issues that could be a factor in sleep paralysis
Treating narcolepsy and other sleep disorders like leg cramps
How to handle Sleep Paralysis?
There’s no need to worry about alien invaders or night monsters. You can take steps at home to manage sleep paralysis if it occurs sometimes. Make sure you get enough sleep to start. Make every effort to reduce stress in your life, especially before going to bed. If you usually sleep on your back, try a different position. And if sleep attacks often keeps you from receiving a decent night’s rest, make sure to visit your doctor.
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