*Trigger Warning: The following article may contain content that may frighten some readers*
Q: What is sleep paralysis? A: Sleep paralysis is the feeling of being awake and conscious, but you feel that you are unable to speak or move (being frozen). This period can last for up to a few seconds, up to a couple of minutes. To the person experiencing this, it may seem like a lot longer to them (a few hours). This phenomenon occurs when you are passing through different stages of sleep.
Q: What are the symptoms? A: One of the main symptoms of sleep paralysis is not being able to speak or move, but you are very aware of the things that surround you (i.e. You know exactly where you are). Some experience trouble breathing, and even the feeling of someone crushing their chest, inhibiting them to breathe.
Over the years, people have described one of the symptoms being a big sense of fear. As well as, the ability to see "evil things". This ranges from; dark shadows in the room, unseen night demons, alien abductors, and even an old hag. Many countries from around the world have described being able to see evil creatures that terrify them at night - what makes things worse, they can't move.
Q: What causes sleep paralysis? A: Sleep paralysis can happen to both men and women, and usually starts around teen years. Although there are no real factors that decide who develops sleep paralysis, there are a few factors that can be linked to sleep paralysis.
Such factors include; lack of sleep, sleep schedules that change often, mental conditions (stress/bipolar disorder), sleeping on your back, narcolepsy, leg cramps and certain use of medications.
Q: What is the diagnosis for sleep paralysis? A: There is no real diagnosis for sleep paralysis. If you find yourself unable to move of speak for a few moments while falling asleep or waking up, you most likely experience isolated experiences of sleep paralysis. There is no need to go visit a doctor about this. You may want to consult a professional when things get a bit more serious.
You may also want to consult a professional if; you experience severe anxiety about these symptoms, your symptoms leave you feeling very tired during the day, or your symptoms keep you up all night long.
Q: What can a doctor do to help with diagnosis? A: Your doctor may have many questions for you if you fear you have sleep paralysis. They may start by asking you your family history, and if anyone related to you has ever experienced the phenomenon. They may ask you to keep a sleep diary, and ask you to track what happens during your night routine (and write things down that happen).
If they feel the need, they may suggest you go visit a sleep specialist, who will most likely perform and overnight test on you.
Q: How long does it last? A: To an individual, the episode may seem to last a long period of time as they are unable to speak/move. When, in reality, only a few seconds to minutes have passed.
Q: What are the treatments? A: Most professionals will not treat for sleep paralysis, they will, however, treat the underlying problems that may be causing the sleep paralysis. This may include; having you improve your sleeping habits, using an antidepressant that will help regulate your sleep cycles, treating mental health conditions, as well as, treating other sleep conditions that the person may have.
Q: Is sleep paralysis a serious problem? A: In most cases, sleep paralysis does not seem to be a serious problem. It is just a sign that your body is not passing through the stages of sleep properly. Research shows that around 25-30% of the population will experience at least one form of sleep paralysis in their life.
Q: When can sleep paralysis occur? A: There are two possible times when sleep paralysis can occur to your body. One happens when you at falling asleep and it is called hypnagogic sleep paralysis. As you can guess, the other one happens when you are waking up and is called hypnopompic sleep paralysis. *Disclaimer: I do not have sleep paralysis, but I do have a close friend who shared their experiences with me. This article is to educate people on this topic, and is not meant to offend anyone*
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