Sleep Paralysis – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments
Some people may also feel pressure or a choking sensation. Sleep Palsy can accompany other sleep disorders , such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an overwhelming need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain’s ability to regulate sleep .
Causes of Sleep Paralysis: Sleep Paralysis occurs when parts ofrapid eye movement (REM) sleep occur while you are awake. REM is a stage of sleep when the brain is very active and dreams often occur. The body is unable to move apart from the eyes and muscles used in breathing, possibly to prevent you from fulfilling your dreams and injuring yourself. It’s unclear why REM sleep can sometimes occur while you’re awake. Main causes of sleep paralysis :
- Not getting enough sleep ( sleep deprivation or insomnia)
- Irregular sleep patterns – for example, due to shift work or slowing down
- Narcolepsy – a long-term condition that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times
- A family history of sleep paralysis
- sleeping on the back
In many cases, sleep paralysis is a one-time or very occasional event that occurs in an otherwise healthy person.
Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis: The main symptom of Sleep Paralysis is being fully aware of your surroundings but temporarily unable to move or talk. This usually happens when you’re waking up, but it can happen when you’re falling asleep. During an episode of Sleep Paralysis you may:
- It’s hard to breathe deeply, as if your chest is crushed or constricted
- Being able to move the eyes – some people can also open their eyes, but others find they cannot
- Get the feeling that there is someone or something in the room with you (hallucination) – many people feel that this presence wants to harm them
- I feel very scared
The length of an episode can vary from a few seconds to several minutes. You will be able to move and talk as normal afterwards, although you may feel disconnected and anxious to go to sleep again.
Treatments for Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis usually gets better over time, but improving your habits and environment can help stop sleep paralysis . Here are some tips to get rid of sleep paralysis:
- Get a good night’s sleep – most adults need six to eight hours of good quality sleep a night
- Going to bed at approximately the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning
- Create a sleeping environment that is comfortable, quiet, dark and not too hot or cold
- Avoid eating large meals, smoking , or drinking alcohol or caffeine just before going to bed
- Get regular exercise (but not within four hours of going to bed)
If your sleep paralysis is particularly severe, a medical specialist may suggest taking a course of antidepressant medication, such as clomipramine. These work by altering REM sleep and are typically prescribed at lower doses than when used for depression.