Sleep paralysis: Mystery behind night-time phenomenon unlocked

For a healthy body and lifestyle, sleep is an integral part of our daily lives. Experts recommend 6-9 hours of sleep to function optimally.

However, sleep can sometimes become a source of fear for people who experience sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis is a condition that typically occurs when an individual is either falling asleep or waking up.

During these transitions, the brain helps the muscles in your arms and legs relax. With sleep paralysis, you regain awareness but can’t move. This paralysis is temporary and isn’t a sign of a major medical issue.

According to Professor Ana Checa-Ros, a sleep expert and a paediatrician who doubles as a lecturer in medicine at CEU Cardenal Herrera University, sleep paralysis is a sleep disorder that shares similarities with restless leg syndrome. The exact cause of sleep paralysis is not fully understood, but it is often linked to certain nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia, stress, disrupted sleep schedules and substance use.

“When a family reports that their child or someone experiences sleep paralysis, we first ask for a video recording of the person while sleeping and then conduct a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies,” says Prof Checa-Ros.

According to the World Health Organization, sleep paralysis affects approximately 8 per cent of the general population, with victims predominantly being students. It typically peaks in the thirties and appears to be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), narcolepsy and panic attacks.

In many cultures, sleep paralysis is often misinterpreted through the lens of superstition, attributed to supernatural forces or spirits. “Sleep paralysis can sometimes involve visual or auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing figures, which can be terrifying. In stressful or traumatic situations, these symptoms, coupled with the inability to move, can make sleep paralysis particularly frightening,” Prof Checa-Ros says.

Episodes of sleep paralysis can vary in duration, typically lasting several minutes, though in rare cases, they can persist for half an hour or longer. During these episodes, individuals may also experience stiffness in the legs.

Beyond the moment of paralysis in bed, other symptoms can indicate someone is suffering from sleep paralysis. These include attention deficits, difficulty focusing, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Prof Checa-Ros notes, “Children with sleep paralysis often struggle with attention and may exhibit signs of anxiety and depression.”

While there is no definitive way to prevent sleep paralysis, addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies can help. “If it’s anaemia, iron supplements can be effective. If it’s a vitamin deficiency, we can provide the necessary supplements,” she says. If these measures do not resolve the issue, further neurological tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), may be required to check for underlying neurological disorders.

The dangers of sleep paralysis extend beyond the immediate fear and discomfort. Prof. Checa-Ros notes that sleep paralysis can sometimes be linked to other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and nightmares.

Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to prevent sleep paralysis entirely. However, maintaining a good sleep schedule, managing stress and ensuring a balanced diet can reduce the frequency of episodes. In rare cases, particularly in children with severe neurological conditions, sleep paralysis can be associated with sudden death. “It’s important to investigate and understand the cause to prevent such extreme outcomes,” she emphasises.

Understanding the scientific basis of sleep paralysis can help demystify the condition and reduce the fear surrounding it. Modern medicine emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying medical and psychological causes. While superstitions and myths may provide a cultural context, scientific research and medical intervention are key to addressing sleep paralysis effectively.