Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a temporary and normal condition during sleeping, and it doesn’t cause any further complications.

Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis means that the person can’t move any side of the body just before falling asleep or when waking up. This normally occurs between the stages of sleep and wakefulness, and it usually lasts from a few seconds to 20 minutes.

Causes of sleep paralysis

During sleep, the brain sends signals to relax the body in order to help it to stay in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase (the phase in which the person dreams), and by that, the brain protects the body from interacting with the dreams and moving while sleeping in order to prevent any injuries.

There isn’t a clear reason behind sleep paralysis, but it’s been noticed that it occurs with the following issues:

• Not sleeping enough.
• Nor having an organized sleep schedule.
• Narcolepsy.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• Substance use disorder.
• Some medications, like those for ADHD.
• Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, and anxiety.

Symptoms of sleep paralysis

• Sleep paralysis makes the person feel like they’re aware of the surroundings, but they’re not able to move or speak, and this leads to fear and panic.
• Not being able to move the hands or legs.
• Not being able to speak.
• Hallucinations.
• The feeling of suffocation or pressure on the chest.
• Daytime sleepiness.

Diagnosis of sleep paralysis

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Physical exam.
• Sleep evaluation.

Treatment of sleep paralysis

• Medications.
• Following certain habits that improve sleep quality, such as setting a sleeping schedule, creating a comfortable environment for sleeping, putting any electronic devices away, and trying to relax before bedtime.