What is Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention : The Hearty Soul

Have you ever experienced the terrifying feeling of being unable to move or speak upon waking? This phenomenon is known as sleep paralysis, and it can be accompanied by a sense of negative energy or an ominous presence in the room.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis occurs when the body is temporarily unable to control movements or speech during the transition between sleeping and wakefulness. It is often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness on the chest, hallucinations, or the sensation of an ominous presence nearby. While sleep paralysis is not usually a frequent occurrence, seeking medical attention is advised if it happens regularly, causes anxiety, or is accompanied by symptoms of narcolepsy.

Watch: Real People Share Their Creepy Sleep Paralysis Nightmares

What Causes Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis occurs when REM sleep cycles overlap with wakefulness during the process of waking up or falling asleep.

Typically, sleep follows a pattern of different stages, including light sleep (Stage 1), deeper sleep (Stage 2), and deep sleep with rapid eye movements (REM) and dreaming (Stage 3). When experiencing sleep paralysis, the brain enters stages 1 and 2 while still in REM sleep.

What are the Risk Factors of Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is most common among teens and young adults, but other risk factors include sleep disorders, disrupted sleep-wake cycle, genetics, emotional trauma, depression, and panic disorders.

How to Prevent Sleep Paralysis

In many cases, small adjustments to sleep routines can help prevent sleep paralysis. Ensuring recommended sleeping time, avoiding screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, regular exercise, and avoiding caffeine and large meals in the evening can all contribute to preventing sleep paralysis.

Tips for Getting Out of Sleep Paralysis

Though sleep paralysis does not last long, it can be a frightening experience. Some tips for interrupting the experience include focusing on physical sensations, breathing irregularly, avoiding talking, practicing lucid dreaming, and reminding oneself that it is just a dream.