Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious, but unable to
move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and
sleep. – WebMD
Of all the weird sensations that one can experience, perhaps there is
nothing stranger than not being able to move; more specifically, not
being able to move while being consciously aware of one’s surroundings.
If You’ve Ever Woken Up At Night Unable To Move, Here’s What It Means…
Sleep paralysis is a strange and potentially frightening phenomenon.
Essentially, the person experiencing sleep paralysis can’t move any part
of their body, but yet remains conscious. Those that experience sleep
paralyses are often terrified – an understandable reaction from not
having voluntary control over one’s movements.
Fortunately, this is a relatively common occurrence and does not
cause any physical harm to the body. Sleep paralysis happens during one
of two stages -“hypnagogic” and “hypnopompic.” Hypnagogic sleep
paralysis occurs before falling asleep, while hypnopompic sleep
paralysis occurs as one wakes from REM sleep.
As we fall asleep, our body becomes deeply relaxed while our minds
concurrently become less aware. However, when hypnagogic sleep paralysis
occurs, the mind remains aware while the body achieves an involuntary
state of relaxation. The person than realizes that they’re unable to
move despite their efforts, often leading to feelings of panic.
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, our muscles are paralyzed so
that we don’t act out our dreams. When one experiences hypnopompic sleep
paralysis, a certain part of the brain wakes sooner. This wakeful state
does not affect the part of the brain responsible for REM paralysis,
however. The result is a certain degree of wakefulness and no voluntary
control over muscles.
Who does this happen to?
Some people are fortunate enough to experience sleep paralysis just
once or twice in their life, if ever. Unfortunately, some people
experience this phenomenon often – even multiple times a week. A study undertaken at Penn State University
discovered that approximately 8 percent of the population has frequent
issues with sleep paralysis. Individuals with mental disorders, such as
anxiety and depression, are more prone to frequent episodes of sleep
paralysis.
People affected by sleep apnea; people on specific types of
medication, and those with an underlying sleep condition may experience
more frequent episodes of sleep paralysis.
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Here is the full list of risk factors, according to WebMD:
– 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, such as those with ADHD
– Substance abuse
What are the symptoms?
Under almost every circumstance, individuals that experience sleep
paralysis are unable to move or speak from a few seconds to a few
minutes. As mentioned, this usually occurs during the initial stages of
falling asleep and almost immediately after waking up.
While sleep paralysis often requires no type of treatment, a doctor
may further inquire into other areas that pertain to sleep health.
Should sleep conditions linger or worsen, the medical professional may
then refer to a sleep specialist.
What are the treatments?
Because sleep paralysis occurs naturally, there is generally no
prescribed treatment. However, if a medical professional detects an
underlying condition in the process of diagnosis, a treatment regimen
may be in order. 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
Often times, making adequate sleep a priority while limiting
unnecessary stress (especially before bedtime) will suffice as a
deterrent to sleep paralysis. Because of the enigmatic nature of the
condition, the effectiveness of formal and informal treatments to
alleviate it is ambiguous at best.
As a rule of thumb, one episode of sleep paralysis does not usually
mandate a trip to the doctor’s office. Health professionals recommend
that those with rare episodes of sleep paralysis pay particular
attention to their sleeping habits, as sleep deprivation almost
assuredly increases the likelihood of an episode.
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.
Have you ever found yourself in such a state?
