Sleep
paralysis
People often describe sleep paralysis as a very terrifying
experience. It is due to the body, physically not being able to move although
the person experiencing it is very aware of his surroundings.
IF YOU
HAVE SUDDENLY WOKEN UP, UNABLE TO MOVE – THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS
Sleep paralysis is an extremely weird and startling
phenomenon. The person that is experiencing sleep paralysis is often terrified
after the experience which is understandable as they cannot move a muscle even
if they try to.
Fortunately, this is a very common occurrence and does not
cause any physical harm to the body. Sleep paralysis only occurs when we are in
two stages of our sleep namely being -“hypnagogic” and “hypnopompic.” Hypnagogic
sleep paralysis occurs before falling asleep, while hypnopompic sleep paralysis
occurs as one wakes from REM sleep.
As we nod off, our body is in a relaxed state while we are
still psychologically stimulated. When hypnagogic sleep paralysis occurs, this
stimulated psyche acts up and creates vivid hallucinations in our mind and that
is when the person realizes that he is unable to move his body although he is
fully conscious.
Amid REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, our muscles are in a
deep state of slumber with the goal so that we don’t beat the person sleeping
beside us when we see a monster in our dream. When one encounters hypnopompic
sleep paralysis, a specific part of the cerebrum wakes sooner. This attentive
state does not influence the part of the mind in charge of REM paralysis, in
any case. The outcome is a great level of attentiveness and no deliberate
control over muscles.
WHO DOES
THIS HAPPEN TO?
Some people are fortunate enough to experience sleep
paralysis hardly once or twice in their life, if ever. It is unfortunate that
some people have to go through this more often than others – even multiple
times a week.
A study undertaken at Penn State University
Here is
the full list of risk factors,
– Lack of sleep
– Frequent changes in sleep schedule
– Mental conditions, such as stress or bipolar disorder
– Sleeping on the back
– Sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
– Certain types of medication,
– Substance abuse
WHAT ARE
THE SYMPTOMS?
Almost all episodes of sleep paralysis have similar
symptoms, such as not being able to speak ranging from a few seconds to a few
minutes even after the episode is completed and being unable to go back to
sleep or sometimes even losing interest in sleeping altogether due to frequent
episodes terrifying them, which leads to other problems such as insomnia, etc.
The problem with sleep paralysis is that it is not something
that can be treated as doctors do not exactly know what causes this. But at
time some of form of treatment is used by physicians to control this scary
beast.
WHAT ARE
THE TREATMENTS?
Because sleep paralysis occurs naturally, there is generally
no prescribed treatment. However, if a doctor detects an underlying condition
in the process of diagnosis, a treatment routine could be used. Such prescribed
treatments are:
– Implementation of a sleeping schedule
– Prescription for an anti-depressant
– Referral to a mental health professional
– Referral to a sleep specialist
– Treatment of any underlying sleep disorders
– Prescription for sleeping aids
Other recommendations include avoiding or severely
restricting alcohol/drugs, nicotine and caffeine. It’s also recommended to keep
electronic devices out of the bedroom in order to establish healthy sleep
patterns.
Of course, it is very possible that a sleep paralysis
episode will occur regardless. If that’s the case, try and remember to stay
calm and realize that it will pass and no! There are no devils or witches or
other ugly creatures that are lurking around trying to steal your sleep and
roast their marshmallows.
So, Happy sleeping!
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