Sleep Paralysis

From TinWiki.org

The Nightmare

Sleep Paralysis is a feeling of being consciousness but being unable to move or speak. It occurs when a person passes between the stage of wakefulness and sleep; during the transition, a person may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds or a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking.

Sleep paralysis may occur along with other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy (the overpowering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain's ability to regulate sleep).

For centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways. It was often attributed to evil presences, night demons, "Old Hag Syndrome", and alien abductors. Almost every culture has folklore about evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night, causing paralysis and feelings of terror.

Recent studies have shown that sleep paralysis is simply a sign that the body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Sleep paralysis is also not a major health concern or problem.

Contents 1 Occurrences 2 Risk Factors 3 Diagnosis 4 Treatment 5 External Links 6 Relevant discussion threads on AboveTopSecret.com

Occurrences

Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times.

• Hypnagogic Sleep Paralysis
  • Occurs while falling asleep
  • Body relaxes
  • Conscious awareness lessens
  • If one remains or becomes aware while falling asleep, awareness of lack of ability to move or speak may occur
• Hypnopompic Sleep Paralysis
  • Occurs when waking up
  • During sleep, the body alternates between REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM sleep (Non-Rapid Eye Movement)
    • One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts about 90 minutes
    • NREM sleep occurs first, takes up to 75% of overall sleep time, and the body relaxes and restores itself
    • REM sleep occurs after NREM sleep, eyes move quickly, dreams occur, and the body remains very relaxes; muscles are "turned off" during REM sleep
  • If one becomes aware before the REM cycle has finished, recognition of the inability to move or speak may occur

Risk Factors

Up to as many as four in ten people may suffer from sleep paralysis during their lifetime. It is common, normally first noticed during the teen years, but men and women of any age can have it. It may also run in families.

Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis can include:

• Lack of sleep
• Sleep schedule that changes
• Mental conditions
  • Stress
  • Bipolar disorder
• Sleeping on the back
• Other sleep problems
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
• Use of certain medications
• Substance Abuse

Diagnosis

• Self Diagnosis
  • Unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up
• Physician Diagnosis
  • Description of symptoms
  • Sleep diary
  • Discussion of health history, especially concerning patient sleep disorders and patient's family sleep disorders
  • Referral to a sleep specialist for further evaluation
    • Overnight sleep studies
    • Daytime nap studies

Treatment

Most individuals need no medical treatment for sleep paralysis. Medical treatment may be needed to treat underlying conditions.

• Improve sleep habits
• Use antidepressant medication to help regulate sleep cycles
• Treatment of any underlying mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis
• Treatment of other sleep disorders
• Reduce stress
• Try sleeping positions other than on the back

External Links

• The Shadowlands: Sleep Paralysis (Old Hag Syndrome)
• Sleep Paralysis
• WebMD Sleep Paralysis

Relevant discussion threads on AboveTopSecret.com

• Sleep Paralysis or not? Different definitions have me confused.
• A Neurological Look At Sleep Paralysis In Relation To Abduction/Contact
• A Question For All Who Experience Sleep Paralysis