Sleep paralysis

During REM sleep or dream sleep, brain activity increases significantly causing you to have dreams. As a response to keep the body from acting out those dreams, your body enters a state of paralysis while in REM sleep, it’s called muscle atonia.

Some people wake during REM sleep while their body is still paralyzed. During this time they are aware of their surroundings but unable to move or speak. As if being paralyzed isn't frightening enough, many people who experience sleep paralysis report having visual and sometimes auditory hallucinations such as animals growling, as well as intense feelings of fear, panic, and a shortness of breath. Many sufferers report feeling a presence in the room or even on top of them crushing the wind from their lungs.

Here are some tips for dealing with sleep paralysis:

  • Try to stay calm. It can be scary, but remind yourself that sleep paralysis is not dangerous and will pass.

  • Avoid trying to move or speak. This can make the paralysis worse.

  • Try to breathe slowly and deeply. This can help relax your body and mind.

  • If possible, try to move your eyes or wiggle your toes. This can help break the paralysis.

  • If the paralysis persists, try to focus on a specific object in the room, or try to imagine yourself in a peaceful, familiar place. This can help distract you from the hallucinations and fear.

  • If you experience sleep paralysis frequently, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

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Sources:

The National Sleep Foundation:  https://www.thensf.org/ 
Sleep Foundation:  https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ 
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: https://aasm.org/

Andrew Holmes RPSGT, Corporate Sleep Consultant

With over 15 years of experience in sleep diagnostics and Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy, Andrew is a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) and sleep expert. He has a demonstrated history of working in leadership roles within hospital and healthcare environments. Andrew is skilled in polysomnography, media and public speaking, and is a sleep consultant to the Ottawa Senators Hockey Organization.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-holmes-rpsgt-49961951/
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