What it is?

Sleep paralysis is a condition of being awake but not able to do anything. This includes not able to move any limb or even make a sounds. This is categorized as a sleep disorder.

It occurs when you get stuck in between the transition from being awake to sleep. Thus, the patient feels he is experiencing a nightmare while being awake and also he can’t do anything about it.

What causes sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is way more common than you expect it to be. It is a common problem in teenagers but people of any age can experience it. Studies show that 4 out of 10 people have or had sleep paralysis.

Other than being a genetic problem, the following also contribute to it-

• Lack of sleep
• Stress and other mental conditions
• Drug Abuse
• Other sleeping problems such as narcolepsy etc.

Sleep paralysis & hallucinations

Hallucinations are the reason why sleep paralysis is seen as a very terrifying sleep disorders. You may be see a terrifying shadowy figure sitting or standing right next to you, you want to run away or scream but you can’t.

These are categorized into 3 types –

• Intruder Hallucination – In this you sense an evil presence or a person.
• Incubus Hallucination – In this you feel pressure on your body making you uncomfortable or even make you feel pain. The word “Incubus” here is derived from the Incubus demon that threatens a person while they are sleeping.
• Vestibular motor hallucination – In this the person may feel like he/she is floating in the air or as if they soul have left their body.

Treatment & Prevention

Unfortunately there is no as such treatment for sleep paralysis but one can follow certain steps to prevent sleep paralysis from taking place again –

• Consulting a therapist, for help regarding mental health problems.
• Making sure you get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep.
• Trying to ensure a non-disruptive sleep i.e waking up repeatedly at night.
• Avoiding sleeping on your back, as studies shows that it may induce sleep paralysis.
• Avoiding over drinking habits of alcohol and caffeine.
• Meditation and exercise.