Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis was once attributed to supernatural causes, but we now have a much clearer understanding of the world and our bodies. Science has revealed that sleep paralysis occurs when you do not transition smoothly through the stages of sleep.
During the deepest stage of sleep, your brain temporarily paralyzes your muscles while you dream. Sleep paralysis occurs when your brain wakes up before your muscles do, leaving you temporarily unable to move.
Although the explanation is simple, the experience of sleep paralysis can vary significantly from person to person. At Norelle Health, we are committed to identifying the root cause of your sleep paralysis and providing a treatment plan to address it.
Stages of Sleep
Every night, your brain naturally cycles through four stages of sleep, each serving a distinct purpose and involving different brain activity.
N1 Stage
This stage begins as soon as you fall asleep. It is a light sleep that usually lasts less than ten minutes.
N2 Stage
You then transition into this stage for 30 minutes to an hour. Your muscles relax, and your brain activity slows to a lower frequency known as slow-wave activity.
N3 Stage
Next, delta brain activity increases for about 20-40 minutes. This is a deeper sleep, though you may still exhibit some body movements.
REM Sleep
At this stage, you are deeply asleep, and this is when dreaming occurs. During REM sleep, your brain temporarily paralyzes your muscles to prevent your body from acting out dreams.
REM Sleep and Paralysis
Technically, everyone experiences muscle paralysis during REM sleep several times each night. Typically, most people transition smoothly through the stages of sleep, so by the time they awaken, their brain has already reactivated their muscles.
Even when awakened during REM sleep, most people regain muscle control immediately. However, for those with sleep paralysis, the experience is different.
When someone with sleep paralysis awakens, it can take a few minutes to regain control of their muscles. During this time, they may experience intense sensations of terror and even visual or auditory hallucinations.
What Leads To Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis occurs when there is a disruption in the transition between different sleep stages, particularly between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness. During REM sleep, the brain temporarily paralyzes most of the body’s voluntary muscles to prevent individuals from acting out their dreams. Sleep paralysis happens when this muscle paralysis persists as a person begins to wake up. Here are some factors that can lead to sleep paralysis:
1. Irregular Sleep Patterns
- Shift Work: Working night shifts or rotating shifts can disrupt the body’s internal clock, increasing the risk of sleep paralysis.
- Jet Lag: Traveling across time zones can disturb sleep cycles and lead to episodes of sleep paralysis.
2. Sleep Deprivation
- Lack of Sleep: Insufficient sleep or consistently poor sleep quality can make sleep paralysis more likely.
- Irregular Sleep Schedule: Frequent changes in sleep times can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle.
3. Stress and Anxiety
- Emotional Stress: High levels of stress or anxiety can increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis.
- Psychological Conditions: Conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders are associated with sleep paralysis.
4. Sleep Disorders
- Narcolepsy: This sleep disorder, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), is often associated with sleep paralysis.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea can lead to fragmented sleep, increasing the risk of experiencing sleep paralysis.
5. Substance Use
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Consuming alcohol or certain drugs before bedtime can interfere with the sleep cycle.
- Medications: Some medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can influence sleep patterns and contribute to sleep paralysis.
6. Sleep Position
- Sleeping on the Back: Some studies suggest that people who sleep on their backs may be more prone to sleep paralysis, possibly due to the positioning of the airway and increased likelihood of sleep disruptions.
7. Genetics
- Family History: There is evidence that a genetic component may increase susceptibility to sleep paralysis, as it can run in families.
By understanding the factors that contribute to sleep paralysis, individuals can take steps to minimize its occurrence and improve overall sleep quality.
While sleep paralysis itself is not dangerous, it can significantly impact your life. If left untreated, its consequences can become harmful. Fatigue from poor sleep can reduce performance and alertness at work or while driving. It can also affect your mood and contribute to depression. Schedule a consultation today to regain control over your sleep.
Dr. Chernobilsky is a highly experienced sleep specialist who has helped many patients achieve a full night’s rest. With his expertise, he can help you get back on track and obtain the restful sleep you need and deserve.