What is Sleep Paralysis?
|
Time to read 3 min
An estimated one-third of us will experience sleep paralysis - an often terrifying and debilitating experience mid-sleep that may cause some sleepers to become afraid of going to bed every night.
Sleep paralysis can actually be caused by certain behaviours in our sleep routine that we may not have realised are causing a vicious cycle where the dreadful experience keeps returning, which is why understanding sleep paralysis is paramount to overcoming the condition.
What do we mean when we talk about sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis refers to a phenomenon where you are awake but cannot move your body as normal, occurring in a period between sleeping and waking up. As suggested by the title, the phenomenon occurs when the body's muscles are paralysed during a period of deep sleep. These experiences are often brief, but can be terrifying experiences for many.
sleep paralysis hallucinations
A common accompanying feature of sleep paralysis are hallucinations. Common reported sense experiences include (but are not limited to):
- that someone (especially someone frightening) is in your room
- like something is pushing you down
- seeing yourself from outside of your own body
- hearing things that aren't there
Who is more likely to experience sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis can seem random, but the phenomenon can be caused by a number of factors that have been linked by scientists to increase your chances of experiencing it, even if they are a regular part of your sleep routine or daily life.
- sleep-related disorders, such as insomnia, narcolepsy
- mental health issues, such as anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder
- irregular sleep schedules
A family history of sleep paralysis can also occur, as some people are more genetically predisposed to experiencing them.
sleep paralysis-inducing behaviours relating to bedtime routine
There are also certain behaviors related to bedtime thought to increase your chances of sleep paralysis, such as:
- sleeping on your back
- drinking caffeine, alcohol, or using nicotine too close to bedtime
- going to bed stressed or anxious without winding down first
Can sleep paralysis be prevented?
There is no direct cure for sleep paralysis where one treatment fits all. Instead, there are several changes in behaviour and overall sleep hygiene that can radically decrease your chances of experiencing sleep paralysis.
These include, but are not limited to:
- ensuring you don't fall asleep on your back - if you are prone to this, side sleeper pillows can help make the experience comfortable and prevent you from rolling onto your back while unconscious
- keeping a regular sleep routine with consistent wake up and going to bed times
- reducing your caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake
If you still experience sleep paralysis after adapting your habits, speak to a medical professional for further advice.
Sleep paralysis is a common experience but can still be terrifying and make sleepers reluctant to go to bed at night.
Certain behaviours can trigger the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis.
While there is no direct cure for sleep paralysis, there are several effective treatments to try.
FAQs
Can you experience sleep paralysis during naps?
Yes, sleep paralysis can occur during naps, especially if it infringes upon having a regular bedtime.
Is sleep paralysis dangerous?
Sleep paralysis is not inherently dangerous, but the distress people fear when experiencing them can be severe. They can also be indicative of sleep or mental health-related disorders that you may have not considered during your waking life.
The Myza Editorial Team
The Myza Editorial Team works together to create and curate The Sleep Journal, a series of blog posts designed to help our customers with frequently asked questions and curiosities regarding everything in the world of sleep, from sleeping positions to skin and hair care. We also provide regular shopping guides, interviews, and reviews to provide insight into our hand-picked brand collaborations and the benefits they have to offer.
