You wake up, but you can’t move. You may feel like something is sitting on your chest or that you’re sinking into your mattress. You might even see something or someone sitting on your chest – or you’ll witness some other figure lurking in the room.
It makes you wonder if you’re really awake or if you’re still dreaming. Why can’t you move? Are these visions actually real?
For centuries the world over, people have claimed to have seen ghosts at night and encountered the Supernatural during their sleep.
There’s a medical explanation for it, though. And learning what’s really going on during such an episode could help calm your anxiety if it happens to you.
Why does sleep paralysis happen?
All of these symptoms happen because of sleep inertia – the bodily mechanisms involved in sleep haven’t quite caught up with the fact that you’ve woken up.
The basic cause, though, usually relates to poor sleep. For most people, sleep paralysis happens because they have had irregular sleep patterns and are now trying to return to a regular sleep schedule. It can also be caused by anything that spurs frequent awakenings (e.g. chronic pain, substance abuse, frequent trips to the bathroom, disturbing nightmares or nicotine withdrawal in smokers).
You’re more likely to encounter sleep paralysis if you’re under a lot of stress or have experienced threatening or traumatic life events. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for example, are much more likely than the average person to have episodes of sleep paralysis.
How to prevent sleep paralysis
Addressing the underlying cause of frequent awakenings is the best treatment for sleep paralysis.
Those with underlying conditions, such as a history of trauma, may benefit from psychotherapy. The PTSD medication Prazosin also has been effective in reducing the trauma-induced nightmares that may lead to sleep paralysis.
For most people, the best method is simply keeping a regular sleep schedule. Most of us are sleep-deprived. Pick a regular bedtime that works for you, and make it a priority to get the number of hours of sleep that leaves you consistently feeling refreshed throughout the day. Most adults need seven to eight hours, but some need nine, or as few as six or seven.
Sleep paralysis itself isn’t harmful to you, but frequent episodes can be linked to worrisome sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. If the symptoms make you excessively tired throughout the day or keep you up at night, check with your doctor. They may refer you to a sleep specialist who can help you solve the problem.
PNN
