Causes of Sleep paralysis: All you need to know.What is Sleep Paralysis? The causes of Sleep paralysis have been widely discussed but mostly the facts seem muddy, there is more to this strange disorder.Sleep paralysis is a disorder that occurs when you wake up at night and cannot make any movements, this could occur during the hypnogogic period, the first few hours of sleep or the hypnopompic period (the period when you wake). In whichever case the sufferer cannot make any voluntary physical movement. Symptoms of sleep paralysis include seeing ghostlike creatures, others feel someone sitting on their chest and others hear sudden movements. Over the years, many deductions have been made of the cause of sleep paralysis. Some claim that it is caused by sleep paralysis demons, others by aliens and some even say it is caused by too much T.V even though research has shown that it is strongly associated with narcolepsy, cataplexy, and hypnagogic hallucinations. There are many self acclaimed cures for sleep paralysis but what really works? What are the causes of sleep paralysis? Causes of Sleep paralysis. In some circles experts agree that sleep paralysis is hereditary that is to say that it can be transferred from parent to child. Men and women of any age can be affected by sleep paralysis but research shows that teenagers are the most affected. Research also shows that 4 out of every 10 persons are affected by sleep paralysis at least once or twice in their lifetime. Medical experts say that sleep paralysis is caused by brief muscle paralysis, and can be induced by the following conditions;
Sleep Paralysis Symptoms. The symptoms of this disorder are usually the same in all sufferers. Episodes of sleep paralysis can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Symptoms include;
Sleep paralysis and hypnagogic sleep. Whenever you sleep the body relaxes, most times you do not notice the ‘fall’. But if you become aware during this stage you will get the feeling of being paralyzed. Sleep paralysis and hypnopompic sleep. During the sleep cycle, the human body alternates between NREM (Non Rapid Eye Movement) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement). Each cycle of REM and NREM last for about 90 minutes. NREM takes up more of your sleep time; during NREM the body replenishes itself. After NREM the body shifts to REM sleep. During REM the muscles are turned off. If you wake up before REM sleep is finished, you will find that you will feel paralyzed. Cure/Treatment for sleep paralysis. Usually all you need do is re-establish a regular sleep pattern. Patients ought to be taught how to work out a normal sleep pattern. Usually if one is not sleep deprived the symptoms can be reduced. Also sleep paralysis can be a symptom of narcolepsy and should if it is it should be treated as such.Return From Causes of Sleep paralysis to Narclepsy Page. Return to Sleeping Disorders Homepage.
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