Understanding Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Sleep paralysis is when the person feels conscious but is unable to move, when moving between different sleep stages or from wakefulness to sleep. Sleep paralysis is usually a sign for not moving smoothly through sleep stages, but it also may accompany other sleep disorders. It is more common when falling asleep (called hypnagogic sleep paralysis) or when waking up (called hypnopompic sleep paralysis). It is a common condition. Risk factors may include family history, lack of sleep, sleep schedule that changes, mental conditions. sleeping on the back, substance abuse and some medications.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Sleep Paralysis

Signs & symptoms

Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move usually during falling asleep or when waking up. People can have hallucinations and sensations of suffocation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sleep paralysis includes medical history and physical examination. There is no special test done to diagnose it.

Treatment

Sleep paralysis is usually not treated. If there is an underlying cause such as anxiety, it may be treated. Antidepressants can help regulate sleep cycles.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital