Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms And Treatment

Sleep paralysis occurs as a result of a lack of coordination between some areas of the brain and that part of the nervous system that is responsible for giving orders to the voluntary muscles of the body. While we sleep, we go through different stages of sleep and the stage in which sleep occurs, called REM, is where the muscle atony, which means that the activity of our voluntary muscles is suppressed during sleep. Once we move to another phase of sleep or wake up, said muscle atonia comes to an end, however, on some occasions it is possible that the person wakes up during the REM stage and the muscle atonia does not come to an end, which causes sleep paralysis leading to that inability to move voluntarily even though the person has regained consciousness. The person who experiences sleep paralysis enters a state of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness and is not able to carry out physical actions, but only perceive what is happening around them.

Although it is not entirely clear the causes of sleep paralysis it has been pointed out that this sleep disorder could be associated with:

• Not sleeping long enough.
• Irregular sleep pattern, for example due to shift work or jet lag.
• Narcolepsy.
• Sleep apnea.
• Being exposed to excessive stress.
• Anxiety disorder.
• Panic attacks.
• Depression.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Have a family history of sleep paralysis.

Based on the causes of sleep paralysis, we can distinguish between the following types:

1. Isolated sleep paralysis: This is the name given to paralysis in patients who had not previously suffered from this disorder. In this case, it is usually associated with high levels of stress and anxiety and usually occurs temporarily, but eventually disappears or never occurs again. It can also be a consequence of not resting for an adequate amount of time or doing so in an irregular and fragmented manner.
2. Family sleep paralysis: This type of sleep paralysis is very rare and uncommon. It occurs in all family members without being related to other types of pathologies.
3. Sleep paralysis related to other diseases: There are some diseases, such as narcolepsy, that can lead to sleep paralysis.

Generally, sleep paralysis occurs at the beginning of sleep (hypnagogic state) or at the moment of awakening (hypnopompic state) and usually has a short duration that is normally less than 1 minute and no more than 3 minutes However, it should be noted that the duration varies depending on each person.

During the time that this episode lasts, the affected person wakes up, is in a state of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness and cannot perform any voluntary movement, which generates great anguish and anxiety. He does have the ability to perceive what is happening around him at that moment, but he is not able to move, take any physical action or request help. Paralysis, of course, does not affect involuntary movements such as breathing or heartbeat, but rather those muscles that we move voluntarily.

Let’s see, below, what they are the main symptoms of sleep paralysis that can be presented:

• Difficulty breathing normally, feeling of suffocation or pressure in the chest.
• Ability to move your eyes, some people can open them and others cannot.
• Fear or panic.
• Visual hallucinations: there are people who say they perceive or see someone or something in the room although they cannot recognize it. Some claim to feel that this presence wants to harm them.
• Auditory hallucinations: different intense sounds may be perceived such as hissing, buzzing, knocking, chimes, screams, whistles, sirens, breaking glass, music, footsteps, etc.
• Kinesthetic hallucinations: sensation of falling out of bed, floating, vibrations passing through the body, tingling.
• Anxiety and anguish.

Some consequences of sleep paralysis in people who experience it are:

• Much terror, anguish and despair when discovering that he cannot move his body.
• Insomnia and fear of falling asleep because you may experience another episode of sleep paralysis.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling very tired and exhausted during the day.

If you suffer these consequences and the episodes of sleep paralysis are frequent, it is advisable consult with the doctor to receive treatment if necessary.

In general, the symptoms of sleep paralysis disappear spontaneously without having to undergo specific treatment, however, as we have already mentioned, it is important to see a doctor if the episodes are regular or frequent and if they are accompanied of other symptoms apart from those already mentioned. The specialist will analyze the patient’s medical history and the symptoms that occur, and may indicate that a sleep diary for a few weeks to analyze sleep habits and, in cases that require it, you can request a sleep study test called polysomnography With this test, brain activity and cardio-respiratory rhythm during sleep are recorded and controlled.

If sleep paralysis is a consequence of some physical or mental illness, psychological therapy and pharmacological treatment may be recommended, since by treating and improving the underlying disorder or pathology, the episodes are likely to be reduced or disappear. Antidepressant medications can be prescribed in more serious cases, since these types of drugs act by modifying the concentrations of some neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating the REM phase of sleep, which makes this stage shorter and not so deep.

Among the main tips that can be carried out on a daily basis to avoid sleep paralysis the following are found:

• Maintain good sleep hygiene: establish a fixed time to go to sleep, try to sleep between 7 or 8 hours a day, create a suitable sleeping environment that is calm, relaxed and noise-free.
• Avoid doing stimulating activities before going to sleep, such as watching television or using devices such as a cell phone, tablet, computer, etc.
• Avoid consuming stimulating or caffeinated beverages starting in the afternoon.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid doing it in the last hours of the day.
• Reduce daily stress: to do this, you can learn relaxation techniques, do yoga, Pilates, meditation, etc.
• Take a hot bath or a relaxing infusion before going to sleep.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Sleep paralysis: causes, consequences, symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.