What is sleep paralysis? ( Madzikirira)
What is sleep paralysis? ( Madzikirira)
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, 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.
▪You may also experience:
•feeling as if something is pushing you down
•feeling like someone or something is in the room
•feeling fear
•difficulty breathing
•feeling as if you`re going to die
•sweating
•muscle aches
•headaches
•paranoia
▪Episodes typically end on their own, or when another person
touches or moves you.
▪You may be aware of what`s happening but are still unable
to move or speak during an episode.
▪You may also be able to recall the details of the episode
after temporary paralysis disappears
*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 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:
1) Improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six
to eight hours of sleep each night
2) Using antidepressant medication if it is
prescribed to help regulate sleep cycles
3) Treating any mental health problems that may contribute
to sleep paralysis
4) 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.