2123122, 243 PM Sleep paralyss | healthdiect healthdirect Free Australian health achice you can counton. Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222, Ifyou need urgent medical help, cll triple zero immediately healthdirect Australia isa free service where you can talk to a nurse or dactor who can help you knaw what to do. Sleep paralysis minute read Listen On this page 1 Whats sleep paralysis? 1 What causes sleep paralysis? | How s sleep paralysis eatea? | Related information on Australian websites What is sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis occurs when you temporarily cannot move or speak upon waking up or falling asleep. While sleep paralysis is fairly common and does not cause any physical harm, it can be scary. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of having an episode, During some stages of sleep, your body goes into a temporary paralysis, which may prevent you from acting out any dreams. Paralysis during sleep is normal, but you are usually unaware af it because you are asleep at the time. IF this ‘off switch’ lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes after you wake up, you will be fully aware of being paralysed. You may find it distressing that you cannot move or talk, even though you can hear normally. Sleep paralysis usually happens just as you're waking up, but can happen when you are falling asleep. Episodes of sleep paralysis can sometimes involve hallucinations, which may be frightening, For example, you may feel there is an intruder in your Sleep paralysis is rnore common in adolescence and usually goes away as you get older. Its not known to carry any medical risk What causes sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis is not necessarily a sign of any problems. Sleep paralysis may occur on its own or it may be related to medical conditions, ncluding migraine, mental heath (anxiety disorders), obstructive sleep apnoea, and a long-term brain disorder callea narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy have extreme daytime drowsiness and Sudden attacks of sleep, regardless of circumstances. Sleep paralysis is also linked to: ‘not getting enough sleep (sleep deprivation or insomnia) or having regular disturbances to sleep such as shift work imegular sleeping patterns, for example those experienced by shift workers or students, or because of jet lag. 3 family history of sleep paralysis How is sleep paralysis treated? In most people, sleep paralysis occurs so rarely that no treatment is needed, Getting enough sleep may reduce the Ikelihaod of ‘experiencing sleep paralysis. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, Keeping to a regular sleeping pattern by going to bed around the sare time each night may also help. Other ways to improve your sleeping habits include: '» reducing consumption of coffee and other caffeinated drinks a getting regular exercise, but not too clase to bedtime top hitpsswwwchealtndrect gowaulsleep-paralysis we2123122, 243 PM Sleep paralyss | healthdiect ‘not drinking alcohol or eating big meals before bedtime creating a relaxing environment People are often reassured to learn that they are not ‘uniquely weird! in having episodes of sleep paralysis. However, see your doctor ifthe condition is severe or you are concerned it may be linked to an underlying health condition. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a sleep physician or neurologist Sources: Sleep Health Foundation (Common sleep disorders), Sleep Health Foundation (Narcolepsy), American Sleep Association (Sleep paralysis), journal of Cinical Psychology (isolated sleep paralysis and fearful isolated sleep paralysis in outpatients with panic attacks), Sieep Medicine Reviews (Limited prevalence rates of sleep paralysis: A systematic review), Elsevier (Patient education, Narcolepsy), Sleep Medicine Reviews - A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis (A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis) Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content, Last reviewed: April 2021 24 hour health advice you can count on 0 1800 022 222 healthdirect We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice 4 Of &.. eer Fe: HA Top hitpsswwwchealtndrect gowaulsleep-paralysis 22