sleep paralysis can be akin to a strange phenomenon: you are awake, but physically blocked. Find out everything you need to know to identify and correct this common condition.
Sleep paralysis: what is it exactly?
sleep paralysis happens when you can't not move while you are already awake. During REM sleep, your body protects itself from possible accidents by immobilizing your muscles. The muscle atony prevents you from making inappropriate or dangerous movements when you dream.
You are in an intermediate state of consciousness and your brain is attentive to everything that is happening around you . You hear, you see, but are unable to do anything (move, speak, react, etc.). This may take a few minutes or a few seconds. sleep paralysis occurs either on falling asleep or during REM sleep.
If you feel the need to sleep during the day, you may be suffering from narcolepsy. It is a rare disease, and frequent sleep paralysis is one of the symptoms.
Sleep paralysis: how to recognize it?
sleep paralysis is manifested by the impossibility react physically while awake and is accompanied byhallucinations. These are caused by a brain reaction in an attempt to "rationalize" the situation.
Fear of instantaneous paralysis conjures up feelings of worry. You feel unsafe and feel a weight on your chest, feeling suffocated or to be dragged by the feet. This sensory disturbance can extend to sensations of falling, perception of lights, strange noises and many others.
The causes are many, but the most common are stress and anxiety. lack of sleep which disrupts the body can also lead to sleep paralysis b>. Disruptions in life are also at the origin of this phenomenon: death of a loved one, dismissal or moving for example.
Sleep paralysis: how to treat it?
sleep paralysis is normal and does not require treatment< /b> strictly speaking, except in cases of narcolepsy. Certain situations favor its appearance, it is therefore possible to prevent it.
Sleeping lying on your back contributes to the development of this phenomenon. To avoid this, stand on your side. In a crisis, direct your thoughts to pleasant memories to control hallucinations.
A few breathing exercises can also help. If you sleep with someone, they may touch you or gently wake you up.
Finally, leading a healthy lifestyle remains the best prevention. Sleep at set times, stick to your need for sleep, avoid stressful situations, relax as much as possible.
Back2Sleep offers discreet yet comfortable devices to help you sleep.
A consultation is necessary when sleep paralysis comes back frequently. Your doctor may prescribe medication to activate your motor skills. If he diagnoses narcolepsy, then the treatment will be different.
Sources :
https://sante.lefigaro.fr/article/paralysie-du-sommeil-a-quoi-est-du-ce-phenomene/
https://www.sante-sur-le-net.com/neuro-psy/troubles-du-sommeil/paralysie-du-sommeil/
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