What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Imagine that you are in a deep sleep. Sudden awakening from sleep or nightmares. Or at least I think you're awake. You open your eyes and you know what's around you, but no matter how hard you try.... You can't move your muscles. Does that sound like a scary experience? maybe! What I just described is called sleep paralysis. It affects about 8% of the population. This condition causes loss of muscle control when falling asleep or waking up. This loss of muscle control is also called asthenia. This is actually a normal part of the sleep cycle during REM sleep. Your muscles stop responding to your dreams and keep you safe in bed until you wake up. People with sleep paralysis experience feelings of helplessness outside of their REM cycles. Most people with this condition also experience hallucinations. This may include out-of-body experiences, such as the feeling of flying. You may feel tightness in your chest. Perhaps the most terrifying form of these hallucinations involves the perception of a dangerous person or being. What Causes Sleep Paralysis? Bad sleep habits can contribute. People with certain other disorders are also at higher risk of getting this disease. These include sleep apnea, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. People with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are also prone to sleep paralysis. People of all ages can suffer from sleep paralysis. However, it usually begins between the ages of 14 and 17. Some people have isolated sleep paralysis, meaning it's not related to an underlying problem. In others, the condition recurs. How to treat sleep paralysis? The first step is to consult an expert. Doctors often start by asking patients about their sleep habits. They may also ask you to keep a sleep diary to learn more about your daily routine. Many patients also participate in sleep studies. This allows experts to observe you while you sleep. After learning more about you, your doctor can create a treatment plan. This is sometimes drug-related, but almost always involves altering the patient's sleep patterns. Doctors often recommend avoiding blue light and sleeping in a cool room before bed. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine can also help. How to stop sleep paralysis? There is no proven treatment that can stop sleep paralysis, but for most people who experience sleep paralysis on a regular basis, focusing on small movements of the body (like moving one finger and then another) can help them recover faster. report that it does. Your healthcare provider may recommend treatment to reduce your risk of future episodes. It can also help you get a good night's sleep, prevent sleep deprivation, and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Do you know anyone with sleep paralysis? If so, you know this can be an unsettling experience. However, with proper treatment, the condition can be controlled. If you suspect sleep paralysis, talk to a trusted adult. They can help you take the right steps to stay healthy. I hope you like this article.