Sleep paralysis takes place when a person transitions between sleep and wakefulness. It prevents an individual from speaking or moving temporarily. This can occur when you’re waking up or falling asleep. During such episodes, an individual is cognizant but cannot move their muscles. This might evolve into a scary situation for many people, as it is constantly linked with hallucinations, strain on the chest, and a feeling of presence. Even though it’s completely innocuous, its recurrent attacks will lead to sleep paralysis causes like disturbance of sleep. Let’s read more about this condition, like is it dangerous, how it can be prevented, its causes and an in-depth guide about sleep paralysis meaning.
Sleep Paralysis Causes: What Are They?
Sleep paralysis is an ordinary spectacle, as estimated 30% of individuals around the world have undergone this issue once in their lifetime. It starts during the teenage years and then persists into the 20s and even 30s. Furthermore, sleep paralysis causes trouble in the “Rapid Eye Movement” sleep process. REM sleep is a phase of sleep that is illustrated by dreaming and rapid eye actions.
This is also the moment when the brain transmits signals that assist in relaxing the muscles in the legs and arms. This state is understood as “muscle atonia”. Sleep paralysis can also cause tension, and it mostly occurs when the brain becomes pretty active during REM sleep, but muscle atonia prevents it, leaving the person aware but stopping them from moving.
Facets That Contribute Sleep Paralysis
There are certain aspects that can lead to episodes of sleep paralysis in people. Some of the essential ones are listed below:
- Medications: Some medicines, like the ones used for treating ADHD, have been linked to sleep paralysis.
- Use of Substance: Substance abuse and alcohol can also disturb sleep patterns and increase the chances of sleep paralysis.
- Irregular Sleeping Plan: Disrupted sleep schedules experienced by those who are jet lagged or shift workers can increase the possibility of sleep paralysis.
- Sleeping on the Back: Sleep on the back (supine position) has been linked with sleep paralysis, which many individuals experience when they sleep on their backs.
- Sleep Deprivation: Inadequate sleep stands out as a massive risk factor. Not getting proper sleep can disturb the natural sleep process and increase the possibility of sleep paralysis.
Associated Ailments and Risks of Sleep Paralysis
Many people ask whether or not: is sleep paralysis dangerous. To be honest, it’s not. However, if experienced often, it is recommended to talk with a specialist because this condition, sometimes linked to several other underlying ailments and even risks:
- Effects on Mental Health: Tension and stress taking place because of sleep paralysis can exacerbate all the current cognitive health conditions. Otherwise, it will lead to the development of new ailments.
- Narcolepsy: Constant attacks of sleep paralysis stand out as a sign of narcolepsy. This is a sleeping disorder that needs medical management and evaluation.
- Fear and Anxiety: Recurrent spells can disturb the sleeping patterns greatly. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and severe fatigue.
Avoiding Sleep Paralysis: How to Do So?
There are certain ways through which you can avoid this condition effectively. Below listed are various sleep paralysis how to avoid options that you should check out:
- Maintain a Periodic Sleep Plan: The best sleep paralysis self care is to sleep and wake at the same time regularly, even during the weekends. Doing so will regulate the body’s natural sleep process.
- Try Not to Sleep on the Back: Try to sleep in various positions to find out if sleeping on the side will lower the frequency of the attacks.
- Managing the Stress: Another option for sleep paralysis self care is to practice relaxation methods like deep breathing workouts, meditation and even yoga to lower anxiety and tension levels.
- Restrict Caffeine and Alcohol Intake: You should avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol and even massive meals before bedtime. All these things can disrupt your sleep.
- Obtain Treatment for Underlying Ailments: If you’ve developed any sleep-related condition or cognitive illness, you must opt for medical treatment. Managing such ailments can lower the rigour and even the commonness of sleep paralysis attacks.
Conclusion
Sleep paralysis is completely harmless but can, at times, lead to frightening experiences for many individuals. This condition can occur because of psychological, environmental, and lifestyle facets. Having proper knowledge about sleep paralysis causes, meaning, and then executing preventive approaches will enormously lower the influence and event of this condition Doing so will improve sleep quality and well-being. When the attacks of sleep paralysis become severe, you must speak with a physician and opt for the best treatment option.
