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Sleep Paralysis

Description

Sleep Paralysis is a condition that is characterized by a period of paralysis, or the inability to perform voluntary movements, shortly after waking up or, occasionally, shortly before falling asleep. Even though one is able to breathe, see, and maybe even scream, limb, torso, and head movements are not possible. This paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes, either disappearing on its own or from the touch or movement of another person.
To keep a person from acting out or reacting to their dreams throughout the night, paralysis occurs naturally during REM sleep. Sometimes the brain wakes from this state into a nearly normal state of consciousness, but the body is still unable to respond, causing the person to be unable to move, but fully alert and aware. Hallucinations can accompany the paralysis, making it likely that the person experiencing the condition will interpret it as nothing more than a dream.
Research suggests that most people will experience this condition once or twice in their lives. Sleeping on one’s back, sleep deprivation, irregular sleeping patterns, increased stress, sleep medication, and periods of shift work and jet lag have all been shown to increase the likelihood of having sleep paralysis.

Diagnosis

A person experiencing an episode of sleep paralysis will be aware that he or she is awake, but unable to move or possible even speak. This occurs either as the person is going into sleep or shortly after waking up, lasting up to several minutes. In addition, hallucinations may accompany the paralysis. The ability to move is regained with the person is able to entirely wake up or enter REM sleep.

Treatment

Because this condition is very common and rarely causes more than a little anxiety, there is no treatment for isolated incidents of sleep paralysis. It may be wise to consult a sleep specialist if you habitually have sleep paralysis, along with other sleeping abnormalities, because this condition is closely linked to narcolepsy. To help prevent episodes of sleep paralysis try sleeping in different positions, keeping a regular sleeping and waking schedule, getting plenty of rest, and reducing stress.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.