Sleep Paralysis Explained: Why You Wake Up but Can’t Move — Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Have you ever thought of seeing a bad dream while sleeping and realised that you are not being able to move or call for help? Well, this might seem very unreal in nature but it is indeed true. It is called Sleep Paralysis.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep Paralysis is a neurological condition in which during sleep the individual who has this condition has an episode lasting either for a few seconds or for a few minutes where he/she experiences hallucinations and while experiencing these they are unable to move their limbs and even speak. One must be wondering what exactly are hallucinations. The answer is – Hallucinations are falsely perceiving anything from the surrounding through the senses (eyes, ears, nose, skin, tongue), for example – Seeing a snake in a well-lit room when in reality there is indeed no snake.

When does Sleep Paralysis occur?

Scientists have found that sleep paralysis can occur one out of these two times –

• Pre-dormital or Hypnogogic stage – This occurs just when the individual falls asleep. Around this time the mind and the body relax and usually, the individual does not realise the occurrence of sleep paralysis but if the individual pays enough attention then they can notice the inability to move or speak.

• Post-dormital or Hypnopompic stage – Scientists have found that when individuals sleep two major sleep cycles come into action

• NREM or Non-Rapid Eye Movement – This cycles occurs first during sleep and in this cycle, the individual’s body relaxes. This cycle persists for about 75% of the sleep.

• REM or Rapid Eye Movement – After the NREM cycle ends the REM cycle starts. In this cycle, the individuals start having dreams and the individual moves their eyes very rapidly but the body remains relaxed.

It is in this stage that the individual suffers from an episode of sleep paralysis. If the individual realises it before the REM cycle ends, they can realise the inability to move or speak.

Prevalence of Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis can be found in four out of ten people, meaning its prevalence is approximately 25%. It is mostly found in teenager,s although both men and women can acquire it at any age.

Factors that can cause Sleep Paralysis

Some factors that can cause Sleep Paralysis –

• Sleep Paralysis can be genetic in nature, which means that if someone in the family has sleep paralysis, then one can develop it because of a genetic predisposition.

• If someone has impaired sleep then also the individual can develop sleep paralysis.

• If there is a sudden change in the Circadian Rhythm, also known as the Sleep Cycle, then also the individual can develop sleep paralysis.

• If the individual suffers from some mental condition like Mood disorder, then also the individual can develop sleep paralysis.

• If the individual suffers from Substance abuse, that is if the individual is addicted to any substance like drugs or alcohol, then also the individual can develop sleep paralysis.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose Sleep Paralysis using the following ways –

• The doctor will ask about the individual’s personal history and family history

• The doctor will ask about the individual’s sleep pattern

• The doctor will ask the individual to write sleep journal

• The doctor will observe the individual’s sleep to cancel out possibilities of any other sleep disorders

Treatment

Most individuals do not need medication to treat sleep paralysis. By improving the quality of sleep and trying to get treatment for any psychological condition that might have led to the individual developing sleep paralysis.

Individuals can also try to treat sleep paralysis at home. Some of the various strategies that can be used are –

• Improving the quality of sleep can help control this disorder.

• Getting rid of all the stress, especially before sleeping, and trying to sleep with a peaceful mind.

Reference

Roybal, B. (n.d.). Sleep Paralysis. WebMD. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-paralysis

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