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.

Source:www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis
Cc: lalasticlala

THAT THING DOES ME ONCE OR TWICE EVERY QUATER.

Noted