People often confuse sleep apnea with the presence of spirits or djinns. Sleep paralysis restricts your movement, and many people also have hallucinations. Read more at Meri Sehat.

Is It The Djinn Or Sleep Paralysis?

Introduction

For centuries, sleep paralysis has been attributed to an “evil” presence, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Throughout history, several cultures have narrated tales of evil creatures that terrify helpless humans. However, recently, researchers have published multiple studies on sleep paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror.&nbsp;

Understanding Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is described as a type of parasomnia with a brief loss of muscle control, which happens just after falling asleep or waking up. Episodes of sleep paralysis are characterized by both elements of sleep and wakefulness. This is one of the reasons why sleep paralysis comes off as exceedingly distressing. Moreover, people may also experience a feeling of suffocation or hallucination.

Parasomnias are abnormal sleep behaviors related to the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. Standard REM sleep is characterized by vivid dreaming and atonia (temporary paralysis of arms and legs). Under normal circumstances, the atonia ends upon waking. Thus, you&rsquo;re not conscious of this inability to move. Researchers believe that sleep paralysis is an amalgamation of wakefulness and REM sleep. However, this imagery of REM sleep persists even when a person is aware and awake.&nbsp;

While much about sleep paralysis is still unknown, the types, symptoms, and causes of sleep paralysis can help in understanding and preventing the condition better.

&nbsp;

Medical literature categorizes sleep paralysis into two types:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Isolated Sleep Paralysis</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Isolated sleep paralysis&nbsp;is not connected to narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain cannot properly control wakefulness, which often leads to daytime drowsiness and sleep paralysis.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Recurrent Sleep Paralysis</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

​​​​​​​In recurrent sleep paralysis, the affected individual will suffer from multiple episodes over time. In many cases, patients, who do not have narcolepsy, present with a combination of recurrent sleep paralysis and ongoing sleep paralysis.

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The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown. However, a study conducted on the Chinese population found a link between sleep paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which breathing rapidly starts and stops. As per the study, 38% of people with OSA suffered from sleep paralysis<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Sleep paralysis is also prevalent in people with nighttime leg cramps<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Thus, researchers believe that several factors may trigger sleep paralysis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Studies have also shown a correlation between sleep paralysis and excessive daytime sleepiness; and circadian rhythm disturbances, such as jet lag and shift work disorder<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. Certain <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/prevalence-of-allergies-in-the-west-and-pakistan-what-significance-does-crop-burning-have-w" target="_blank">mental health conditions</a> are also connected with sleep paralysis<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder, exposure to childhood sexual abuse, and other types of physical and emotional traumas. Moreover, alcohol and antidepressant withdrawal may also increase the risk of developing sleep paralysis<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.&nbsp;

There is also a higher risk of sleep paralysis in people with a family history of the condition<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. However, there is no genetic basis to support this claim. There may also be a link between sleep paralysis, vivid nightmares, and lucid dreaming. Further research is necessary to better understand the causes and correlations of parasomnia.

&nbsp;

Sleep paralysis is a benign condition; the limited frequency of the episodes rarely leads to serious health problems. However, sleep paralysis may become bothersome for people who have more recurrent episodes. As a result, they may have negative thoughts around bedtime, which may provoke anxiety and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Sleep paralysis can further lead to daytime sleepiness and have a negative impact on a person’s overall health.

If you are struggling with sleep paralysis, the first step is to speak with a doctor. The doctor will help identify the underlying cause of the problem, and rule out any serious medical conditions, such as narcolepsy. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the ongoing treatment approaches for sleep paralysis, a few simple habits may help prevent the problem. These include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Set a routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including the weekends.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Follow a&nbsp;pre-bedtime routine. For example, meditating, yoga, or anything else that would help you feel relaxed.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Invest in a good quality mattress and pillows.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Block light or noise in your bedroom.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Avoid alcohol and caffeine later in the evening.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Put away electronic devices at least half an hour before going to bed.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Other professional treatment approaches may include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Cognitive-behavioural therapy&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Medications that suppress REM sleep</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Although sleep paralysis is not a serious medical health concern, it can be quite distressing for some people.</li>
	<li>While the exact cause of sleep paralysis is still unknown, consistently following a routine before bedtime can help reduce the frequency of sleep paralysis.</li>
	<li>However, before testing out any antidotes, speak with a doctor to rule out any serious health conditions that could be causing sleep paralysis.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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[1] Hsieh, S.W., Lai, C.L., Liu, C.K., Lan, S.H. and Hsu, C.Y., 2010. Isolated sleep paralysis linked to impaired nocturnal sleep quality and health-related quality of life in Chinese-Taiwanese patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Quality of Life Research, 19(9), pp.1265-1272.

[2] Denis, D., 2018. Relationships between sleep paralysis and sleep quality: current insights. Nature and science of sleep, 10, p.355.

[3] Singh, S., Kaur, H., Singh, S. and Khawaja, I., 2018. Parasomnias: a comprehensive review. Cureus, 10(12).

[4] Angarita, G.A., Emadi, N., Hodges, S. and Morgan, P.T., 2016. Sleep abnormalities associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiate use: a comprehensive review. Addiction science & clinical practice, 11(1), pp.1-17.

[5] Olunu, E., Kimo, R., Onigbinde, E.O., Akpanobong, M.A.U., Enang, I.E., Osanakpo, M., Monday, I.T., Otohinoyi, D.A. and Fakoya, A.O.J., 2018. Sleep paralysis, a medical condition with a diverse cultural interpretation. International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research, 8(3), p.137.

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