Sunday Emmanuel

@sundayemmanuel · 18 Nov 2021

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What is sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking up. Sleep paralysis most often occurs in people who have narcolepsy or sleep apnoea, but it can also affect anyone. It is the feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passed between
stages of wakefulness and sleep.

Causes of sleep paralysis

1. Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep.
2. Sleeping on your back.
3. The use of certain medications.
4. Stress and mental disorder conditions such as bipolar disorders.
5. Substance abuse.
6. Sleep-related problems like narcolepsy.

When does it occur?
It usually occurs one or two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it is called hypnagogic or predominant sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it is called hypnopompic or postnominal
sleep paralysis.

How hypnagogic sleep paralysis occurs:

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.

How hypnopompic sleep paralysis occurs:

During your sleep, your body alternates between Rapid Eye Movement [REM] and Non-Rapid Eye
Movement [NREM] sleep. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts for about 90 minutes. NREM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During NREM sleep, your body relaxes.
At the end of the NREM sleep, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains relaxed. Your muscles are ”turned off” during REM sleep. If you became
aware before the REM cycle finishes, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.