Why does sleep paralysis occur?
Why does sleep paralysis occur
Sleep paralysis occurs when you wake up from or enter rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, but your body is not yet fully awake. In this state, you are conscious, but your muscles are temporarily numb, preventing you from moving or speaking. Lack of sleep, stress, disruption of sleep schedule, and genetic factors can be responsible for it.
Main causes:
REM sleep problems: During REM sleep, our muscles become numb so that we cannot act out our dreams. Sleep paralysis occurs when we wake up from this REM state but the muscle numbness remains.
Insufficient sleep and stress: Lack of sleep, stress, and unusual changes in sleep routine increase the risk of sleep paralysis.
Genetic causes: The tendency to have sleep paralysis can be hereditary.
Other causes: Some studies have also linked sleep paralysis to anxiety or panic disorder.
Use of certain substances: Certain substances can affect sleep patterns and increase the risk of sleep paralysis.
Why does it happen?
This type of experience often occurs in many people and is commonly called sleep paralysis. It is **not a supernatural phenomenon, but a known physiological problem of the sleep stage.
Why does it happen?
There is a stage of sleep called REM sleep—during which the brain is active but the body is naturally temporarily asleep.
Sometimes we experience this sleep state consciously. Then:
* It feels like someone is holding us
* You can not move
* You feel like you are holding us
* You may have fear or hallucinations (feeling like someone is there)
It is not at all harmful, but it can be scary.
In moments of fear and stress in sleep paralysis, **thinking of any familiar prayer, prayer or word** reassures the brain and thus reduces the panic, gradually the body paralysis also disappears.
Why does it happen repeatedly?
Common causes of sleep paralysis are:
* Irregular sleep
* Lack of sleep
* Excessive stress
* Sleeping on your back
* Waking up at night or having an unstable sleep routine
What can be done to reduce it?
* Sleep and wake up at the same time every day
* Ensure 6-8 hours of sleep
* Reduce screen use before bed
* Sleep on your side instead of your back
* Reduce stress
If it is very frequent, **sleepwalking, excessive fatigue or sudden sleepiness during the day**, then it is best to talk to a doctor or sleep specialist - because these may be symptoms of a sleep disorder.
Ways to get rid of sleep paralysis
To get rid of sleep paralysis, try to stay calm, focus on your breathing and try to move a small muscle. Sleeping on your side, creating a regular sleep routine and reducing stress are ways to prevent it. If it happens frequently, you should consult a doctor, as it may be associated with other health problems and the doctor may advise you to take the help of cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.
What to do during an attack
Stay calm: Try to stay calm without panicking.
Focus on breathing: Paying attention to your breathing can help you return to normal quickly.
Try small movements: Try moving small muscles such as your fingers or toes.
Ways to prevent it
Change your sleeping position: Try to sleep on your side instead of sleeping on your back, as sleep paralysis is more likely in this position.
Get enough sleep: Go to bed and wake up at a regular time.
Reduce stress: Stress can increase the risk of sleep paralysis. Take the necessary steps to reduce stress.
Awareness: Understanding what is happening during sleep paralysis can help you recover faster.
Avoid using certain substances: Certain substances (such as caffeine, alcohol) can increase the risk by affecting sleep patterns, so avoid them.
When professional help is needed
If sleep paralysis is frequent and it affects your daily life, talk to a doctor.
The doctor will examine your overall health and, if necessary, may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or other treatments such as antidepressants.
If sleep paralysis is associated with a serious sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea, it may require treatment.
