American researchers Michael Spano and Edward Pace-Schott investigated how one’s lifestyle affects sleep paralysis. Like many authors, they chose students (158 people) as respondents and conducted a survey on sleep time and quality, sleep paralysis experience, use of various substances, and gadget usage, among other factors.
They found that one in three (36%) respondents repeatedly experienced sleep paralysis. The authors consider the habit of napping during the day one of the triggers: three-quarters of those who regularly suffer from sleep paralysis nap 4-7 times a week, while those who experienced it only once nap only 1-3 times a month.
Alcohol probably also plays a role: 75% of those who constantly suffer from sleep paralysis admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages, compared to 55% of those who experienced sleep paralysis once. However, no differences were found in terms of nicotine and caffeine consumption. The impacts of social media and gadgets on sleep paralysis remain to be seen, but they clearly affect sleep time, duration, and quality.
So, what are your chances of experiencing sleep paralysis based on your habits?
The article is scheduled for publication in the May 2024 issue of Sleep.
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