Is Sleep Paralysis a Symptom of a Serious
Problem?

Sleep researchers conclude that, in most cases, sleep paralysis is simply a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Rarely is sleep paralysis linked to deep underlying psychiatric problems.
Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have
been described in many ways and often attributed to
an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient
times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and
Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture
throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil
creatures that terrify helpless humans at night.
People have long sought explanations for this
mysterious sleep -time paralysis and the
accompanying feelings of terror.

What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but
unable to move. It occurs when a person passes
between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During
these transitions, you may be unable to move or
speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some
people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking.
Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an overpowering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain's ability to regulate sleep.

When Does Sleep Paralysis Usually Occur?

Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If
it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called
hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it
happens as you are waking up, it's called
hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.
What Happens With Hypnagogic Sleep Paralysis?
As you fall asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually
you become less aware, so you do not notice the
change. However, if you remain or become aware
while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot
move or speak.

What Happens With Hypnopompic Sleep
Paralysis?

During sleep, your body alternates between REM
(rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye
movement) sleep. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep
lasts about 90 minutes. NREM sleep occurs first and
takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During
NREM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At
the end of NREM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes
move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your
body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are "turned
off" during REM sleep. If you become aware before
the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you
cannot move or speak.

Who Develops Sleep Paralysis?

Up to as many as four out of every 10 people may
have sleep paralysis. This common condition is often
first noticed in the teen years. But men and women
of any age can have it. Sleep paralysis may run in
families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep
paralysis include:
-Lack of sleep
-Sleep schedule that changes
-Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
-Sleeping on the back
-Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or
nighttime leg cramps
-Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD
Substance abuse.

How Is Sleep Paralysis Diagnosed?

If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a
few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Often there is no need to treat this condition. Check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns:
-You feel anxious about your symptoms
-Your symptoms leave you very tired during the day
Your symptoms keep you up during the night
Your doctor may want to gather more information
about your sleep health by doing any of the
following:
Ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a
sleep diary for a few weeks
Discuss your health history, including any known
sleep disorders or any family history of sleep
disorders
Refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation
Conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep
disorder.

How Is Sleep Paralysis Treated?

Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis.
Treating any underlying conditions such as narcolepsy may help if you are anxious or unable to sleep well.
These treatments may include the following:
-Improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night
-Using antidepressant medication if it is prescribed
to help regulate sleep cycles
-Treating any mental health problems that may
contribute to sleep paralysis
-Treating any other sleep disorders, such as
narcolepsy or leg cramps.

What Can I Do About Sleep Paralysis?

There's no need to fear nighttime demons or alien
abductors. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take steps at home to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress in your life -- especially just before bedtime. Try new sleeping positions if you
sleep on your back. And be sure to see your doctor if
sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a
good night's sleep.

Cc dominique sissy3 lalasticlala

www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis

I used to have that experience when I was a kid. Very scary. It's good to learn more about it.