Isolated sleep paralysis (not associated with a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy) occurs at least once in up to 40% of people. Relapses of this episode are less common and are classified as REM-sleep disorders. Like nightmares, isolated sleep paralysis can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and therefore requires treatment.
Austrian scientists Ambra Stefani and Birgit Högl from the Department of Neurology at the Medical University of Innsbruck discuss the methods used to treat sleep paralysis in an article published in November 2020. Based on previous scientific studies, the researchers conclude that chronic sleep deprivation, disturbed circadian rhythms (body clocks), and sleep patterns associated with modern lifestyles induce stress that contributes to sleep paralysis. Changing these factors is the key to a successful treatment.
Likewise, the scientists note that sleep paralysis occurs more often when the sleeper is lying on their back. Thus, patients can be advised to change their sleeping position. Another factor that aggravates the incidence of sleep paralysis is jet lag, after which it is recommended to get quality rest.
Because the episodes stop spontaneously or upon sensory stimulation, such as when someone touches a person or sounds an alarm, the patients’ partners can also be advised to touch the subject if they hear rapid breathing or other signs of sleep paralysis. In especially severe cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy of patients is indicated.
Some of you have experienced sleep paralysis. Was it due to the stress or the lack of sleep? Share your experience in the comments.
The study was published in November 2020 in the journal Neurotherapeutics.
