Sleep paralysis| sleep disorder| causes, prevention and treatments.

Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a worldwide phenomenon that was once thought to be caused by evil creatures such as demons, witches, or vampires appearing at night to frighten humans. Different cultures have different ideas and beliefs about it. It is known as a "night mare" in English, which means "evil sleep riding on people's chests while sleeping." In Chinese it is called "govei nulim" means being pressed down by a ghost. In Japanese traditions, it is believed that it is a vengeful sprite who sits on the person's chest while sleeping for revenge. According to new research, it is called "old hag syndrome," which is another name for sleep paralysis. "Old hag" means an evil creature who leaves her body at night and sits on the chests of victims. 

Figure 1 depicts a creature ride on someone's chest at night in order to suffocate them.

What is Sleep Paralysis? 

Definition 

Sleep paralysis a frightening phenomenon where a person suddenly finds himself unable to move, speak, or react for a few seconds or minutes between the stage of wakefulness and sleep. It usually occurs upon falling asleep or just upon waking. 

Symptoms 

The main symptoms of sleep paralysis include the following: 

While sleeping  a person is unable to move their legs and arms, nor can they speak or react a bit. It seems like a bit of a paralysis of his body. 

The experience is quite terrifying and lasts from  few seconds to minutes. 

Some people may also experience hallucinations. 

The patient may also have frightening experiences, such as the sensation of floating, hearing or seeing things that do not exist. 

Some may also feel pressure on the chest, as if someone is pressing and suffocating the chest.

 

Prevalence 

Sleep paralysis affects both genders equally. The average age when it first occurs is early teen age, at age 14-17 years. It affects people of all ages, but it is most prevalent in adolescents (14-17) and the elderly (60+). It is also common in students and psychiatric patients. The average number of individuals who experience sleep paralysis is 4 out of every 100 individuals.

Cause or reason behind it. 

Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep. REM is a sleep cycle during which a person’s brain is fully active and frequently dreams, but the muscles of the body are fully relaxed or turned off. The brain releases two chemicals, i.e., GABA and glycine, which turn off some specialised brain cells that perform voluntary movement in the body in order to prevent the body from physical damage during sleep. This condition is called atonia. When a person wakes up quickly during REM, they might experience mild paralysis.

REM Sleep

REM sleep (rapid eye movement) is the stage of the sleep cycle during which the body is fully relaxed but the brain is more active and continuously dreaming. At this stage, a person’s eyes are rapidly moving, the breathing rate is high, intense dreaming occurs at this stage, and a body is fully relaxed.

 

Types of sleep paralysis 

Sleep paralysis occurs in two ways.:

Predormital sleep paralysis: If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it is called predormital sleep paralysis or hypnogogic sleep paralysis. 

Post-dormital sleep paralysis: If it occurs when you are waking up, it’s called post-dormital sleep paralysis (PDSP), or hypnopompic sleep paralysis.

Classification of sleep paralysis 

It is mainly classified into two. 

1. Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP): It is more common, infrequent, and lasts for a short duration. Approximately one minute or less. In some cases, it might occur once in an individual's life. 

2. Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP): It is a more chronic condition, and individuals may experience regular episodes throughout their lives, and they may last for hours or longer. 

Problems arise from sleep paralysis 

Sleep paralysis is not life-threatening but it can cause depression, anxiety, loss of sleep, terror experiences etc. 

Causes of sleep paralysis 

Lack of sleep can disturb the sleep cycle, which can cause sleep paralysis. 

Sleeping on your back or on your stomach, it can occur at any position. 

Keeping electronic devices near your head while sleeping may also cause it, because electrical devices have their own frequency and radiation which may harm you while sleeping. 

Changes in sleep schedule and time can disrupt the body's natural biological cycles, known as circadian rhythms.

Use of sleep-inducing drugs such as caffeine or alcohol. 

Mental stress or disorder, eating large meals at night, which may cause bloating and disrupt sleep. 

Inheritance may also be the cause of sleep paralysis. 

Sleep paralysis risk factors

People who have sleep disorders like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are all at risk for sleep paralysis. 

Mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, terror, stress, or bipolar disorder are risk factors for sleep paralysis.

 Disrupted circadian rhythms i-e 24 hours sleep wake cycle due to heavy work, lack of sleep, drugs are great  risk factor causes Sleep paralysis 

Sleep paralysis can also be inherited and can run in families.

Genetics role in sleep paralysis 

Sleep paralysis is inherited and can run in families. 

According to the new research, the variation in PER2 gene is associated with sleep paralysis. Which is located on the long arm of chromosome 2. The PER2 gene is responsible for controlling circadian rhythms  the 24 biological cycles that help to govern the sleep wake cycles.

Prevention 

Clear your mind before going to sleep. 

Avoid taking alcoholic drinks and heavy meals before bed. 

Don’t sleep on your back and stomach. 

Relaxation of the mind and body before sleep is helpful.

Relieve the stress, so sleeping becomes easier and the effect is minimized. 

Avoid watching horror movies before bed. 

Treatment 

Improving sleep habits—such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night.

Taking antidepressants as prescribed to help regulate sleep cycles

Treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis 

Treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps. 

Wiggling finger or toes of the victim so they can be able to realise the condition and be able to move.