Have you ever felt like you are paralyzed just shortly before you woke up or fell asleep? When you can’t move, have difficulty breathing and try with all your power to wake up by just moving a finger. Trying to break through the paralysis is the only thing on your mind. But the question really is …

What is sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis consists of a period of inability to perform voluntary movements either at sleep onset (hypnogogic or predormital form) or upon awakening (hypnopompic or postdormtal form).

What are the symptoms?

• Inability to move the trunk or limbs at sleep onset or upon awakening
• Presence of brief episodes of partial or complete skeletal muscle paralysis
• Most occurrences are when sleeping on your back

Is Sleep Paralysis harmful?

There is no known explanation why some people experience this paralysis. It is not harmful, although most people report feeling very afraid because they do not know what is happening, and within minutes they gradually or abruptly are able to move again; the episode is often terminated by a sound or a touch on the body.

In some cases, when hypnogogic hallucinations are present, people feel that someone is in the room with them; some experience the feeling that someone or something is sitting on their chest and they feel impending death and suffocation. The “Hag Phenomena” has been happening to people over the centuries. While people experience anxiety and terror, there is no physical harm.

What else can you tell me about sleep paralysis?

• A study found that 35% of subjects with isolated sleep paralysis also reported a history of wake panic attacks unrelated to the experience of paralysis
• Sixteen percent of these persons with isolated sleep paralysis met the criteria for panic disorder

How can I stop the sleep paralysis?

• getting enough sleep - get at least six to eight hours of sleep per night
• reduce stress
• exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime)
• keep a regular sleep schedule
  

Severe cases of Sleep Paralysis should be discussed with your physician as they may refer to more in depth problems, possibly related to:

·         Bipolar disorder

·         Change in medication

·         Use of antidepressants

 In summary; sleep well, avoid sleeping on your back and reduce stress to a minimum - including, disagreements BEFORE you go to bed.