DSFIHave you ever woken up without being able to move a single muscle? If so, this means that you have been a victim of sleep paralysis. Rest assured, because even if it is impressive, this disorder is completely benign. But then, why does it happen? What to do if it happens again? Here is everything you need to know about sleep paralysis.
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
Among the most common sleep disorders, we find sleep paralysis, which affects one in four people at least once in their life. In medical terms, it is called a parasomnia. It generally strikes during the REM sleep phase.
The Sleep Cycle
Before going any further, let’s quickly see what stages make up a sleep cycle. A night is generally composed of four to six cycles of about 90 minutes, each divided into three phases:
- Light slow-wave sleep
- Deep slow-wave sleep
- REM sleep
During the first phase, breathing becomes calmer and the body becomes numb. However, the slightest noise or movement can wake up any sleeper with a start. This is why it is called light slow-wave sleep.
Deep slow-wave sleep is the moment when the body no longer moves and recovers its strength. As for REM sleep, it is when the brain resumes service and invents all sorts of incredible stories. As you can see, it is during this phase that dreams arise.
Causes Of Sleep Paralysis
Since the disorder appears during the phase when the brain is most active, the person dreaming sometimes believes they are awake and puts all their senses into action. However, even if it is working at full speed, the brain no longer communicates with the muscles as it does during the day when you are sleeping.
Fortunately, because if it did, you would move constantly and risk injuring yourself or your loved ones. As soon as you wake up, the brain gradually takes back control of your body. But if you wake up too quickly and the brain has not had time to regain control. Your body is paralyzed for a short period of time. And here is sleep paralysis that strikes!
How To Recognize The Symptoms?
If you have already experienced this phenomenon, the following description will certainly seem familiar to you. Imagine that you suddenly open your eyes and find yourself in your usual environment. You are in your bed or in mattress, you recognize the color of the sheets, the walls or the curtains. You even hear the slow breathing of your partner who is sleeping peacefully next to you.
However, you are completely unable to move. You first try to move your arms, hands or feet then you try to speak, even to scream… But in vain! Yes, sleep paralysis lives up to its name.
Fortunately, this sensation only lasts a few seconds. One or two minutes at most. During this time, you are perfectly able to breathe normally. After this moment, you feel your body go numb and you gradually regain control of your movements.
What Causes Paralysis?
Scientists who have studied this phenomenon have been able to identify several factors that trigger sleep paralysis:
Age: in fact, the disorders are more common in adolescents and young adults
A personal upheaval: bereavement, moving, change of job, etc.
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep deprivation
- Poor quality sleep
It is also noted that sleep paralysis is common in people suffering from narcolepsy. This disease causes sudden relaxation of all the muscles without loss of consciousness.
What To Do Against Sleep Paralysis?
If when you wake up you realize that you can no longer move, don’t panic! Continue to breathe slowly and connect to your bodily sensations. Gradually, you will feel small tingling or numbness in all your muscles. This is a sign that your brain is taking back the reins and that you will soon be able to get up.
People who have experienced repeated sleep paralysis may feel anxiety rising when evening falls and bedtime approaches. However, as we have seen above, stress is one of the triggering factors. So, it is better to do a little relaxation session, read or drink a herbal tea before slipping into the arms of Morpheus.
Be aware that there is no drug treatment to prevent the onset of disorders related to sleep paralysis. If you are a frequent victim, talk to your doctor, because the causes may be related to stress. In this case, he will prescribe a mild antidepressant and will certainly advise you to make an appointment with a psychologist to talk about your anxieties.
Also remember that sufficient and quality sleep is the guarantee of good health. So, do not hesitate to practice a sport, have a light meal in the evening and turn off the screens at least two hours before going to bed. Your sleep will be better… and your shape too!
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