By Iqra Waheed
WHAT: Sleep paralysis is a temporary sense of paralysis that occurs between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During an episode of sleep paralysis, you are conscious but unable to move or speak.
(Restivo, J., 2023)
WHAT DOES AN EPISODE OF SLEEP PARALYSIS FEEL LIKE? An episode of sleep paralysis often involves hallucinations that can be frightening or cause anxiety. Hallucinations during sleep paralysis fall into three categories:
● Intruder hallucinations involve a sense of evil or a disturbing presence in the room, such as a bedroom intruder.
● Chest pressure hallucinations describe a sense of pressure on the chest, often accompanied by sensations of being choked or suffocated.
● Vestibular-motor (V-M) hallucinations can include feelings of movement, such as flying or out-of-body sensations.
(Restivo, J., 2023)
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP PARALYSIS:
● Unable to move your body
● Unable to speak
● Sensations of pressure against your chest (suffocation) or moving out of your own body ● Hallucinations
● Daytime sleepiness
(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)
CAUSE OF SLEEP PARALYSIS:
Just why or how it happens isn't clear.
● Researchers believe sleep paralysis is caused by a disturbed rapid eye movement (REM) cycle because it mostly happens as people are falling into or coming out of REM sleep. During that stage, your brain normally paralyzes your muscles anyway — so they don’t act out your dreams. But during sleep paralysis, your mind is awake, or half awake, and so you are aware you can’t move.
● Sleep experts believe that sleep paralysis might be genetic.
● Other causes include stress and disrupted sleep schedules.
● Several studies have also found links between social anxiety or panic disorder and sleep paralysis.
(Amandolare, S., 2024)
TYPES OF SLEEP PARALYSIS: There are two types of sleep paralysis.
● Isolated Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis is isolated when it appears without any other signs of narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person may frequently fall into sudden episodes of deep sleep at any time.
● Recurrent Sleep Paralysis: This condition involves multiple sleep paralysis episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis can be associated with narcolepsy.
In many cases, both sleep paralysis occur together. In this case, you may experience recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP). RISP involves ongoing instances of sleep paralysis without an association with narcolepsy.
(Restivo, J., 2023)
SLEEP PARALYSIS AND LUCID DREAMING:
Sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming are not the same thing. They happen during different stages of sleep and involve different sensations. Both conditions can feel frightening and may interfere with sleep quality.
Sleep paralysis happens as you enter or exit REM sleep, while lucid dreaming occurs during REM sleep. While lucid dreaming, you may feel aware of yourself and be able to control what happens. Unlike sleep paralysis, you won’t feel unable to move during a lucid dream. You might even think you’ve woken up when you actually haven’t.
Webmd
IS SLEEP PARALYSIS DANGEROUS? Sleep paralysis is not dangerous, but it can cause emotional distress during an episode. Some cases of sleep paralysis link to other sleep disorders.
(Sleep Paralysis, 2024)
HOW IS SLEEP PARALYSIS DIAGNOSED? Health care providers confirm sleep paralysis after a physical exam and a sleep evaluation. Your provider may ask you about: ● Your symptoms
● The quantity and quality of your sleep
● Your medical history
● Your mental health
● Your family history
WHAT TESTS DIAGNOSE SLEEP PARALYSIS?
● An overnight sleep study (polysomnogram): The test monitors your breathing, heartbeat and brain activity while sleeping. It may enable healthcare providers to observe an episode of sleep paralysis or detect issues like sleep apnea.
● Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): This test measures how quickly you fall asleep and what kind of sleep you experience during a nap. This test helps uncover issues such as narcolepsy.
(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)
HOW IS SLEEP PARALYSIS TREATED?
● Taking medications that prevent you from reaching the rem stage of sleep. ● Taking medications to treat an underlying mental health condition or sleep disorder. ● Improving your sleep hygiene.
● Talking to a mental health provider if you experience frequent stress.
(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)
REFERENCES
● Restivo, J. (2023, October 20). Sleep Paralysis: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Harvard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and treatments
● Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2024, July 3). Sleep Paralysis. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21974-sleep-paralysis
● Amandolare, S. (2024, July 21). Sleep Paralysis. WebMD
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