What is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a rapid eye movement parasomnia characterized by inability to move at sleep onset or upon awakening. It is frequently accompanied by frightening hallucinations; therefore, it is called nightmare.
What causes sleep paralysis? One of the major causes of sleep paralysis is sleep deprivation, or a lack of sleep. A changing sleep schedule, sleeping on your back, the use of certain medications, stress, and other sleep-related problems, such as narcolepsy, may also play a role.
How can you avoid sleep paralysis?
- Try to regularly get 6 to 8 hours of sleep a day.
- Go to bed at roughly the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
- Get regular exercise, but not in the 4 hours before going to bed.
What do you see during sleep paralysis?
Researchers say that sleep paralysis happens when a person awakens during a stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM).
Who is affected by sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis can affect men and women of any age group. The average age when it first occurs is 14 to 17 years.
What people see with sleep paralysis? During sleep paralysis, your mind is conscious but you are unable to move your body. You may also think you see or hear things that aren’t really there or experience the sensation of choking or someone sitting on your chest.