What Is Sleep Paralysis?
A person with sleep paralysis experiences aponia outside of the REM cycle. Most people with the condition also have hallucinations. This can include out-of-body experiences, like the feeling of flying. People may also feel pressure in their chest. Perhaps the scariest form of these hallucinations involves the perception of a dangerous person or presence.
What causes sleep paralysis? Poor sleep habits can contribute. People with certain other disorders are also more at-risk for the condition. These include sleep apnea, PTSD, and insomnia. People with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are also more likely to have sleep paralysis.
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
People of any age can have sleep paralysis. However, it usually starts between the ages of 14 and 17. Some people have isolated sleep paralysis, meaning it is not connected to an underlying issue. For others, the condition is recurrent.
How is sleep paralysis treated? The first step is to talk with an expert. Doctors often start by asking patients about their sleep habits. They may even ask them to keep a sleep journal to learn more about their routine. Many patients also take part in a sleep study. That way, an expert can observe them while they sleep.
After learning more about the patient, the doctor can develop a treatment plan. This sometimes involves medication, but it almost always includes changes to the patient’s sleep habits. Doctors will often recommend avoiding blue light before bed and sleeping in a cooled room. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine can also help.
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
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