Sleep paralysis most often occurs in people who have narcolepsy or sleep apnoea, but it can affect anyone.
Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It happens to people regardless of their age, but mostly to people with already existing disorders. Sleep paralysis occurs in episodes that lasts for less than a couple of minutes. One begins to see, feel and hear things that are actually not there and it can result in fear. You may also be unable to speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. Sleep paralysis can be genetic and caused by sleep deprivation or psychological stress. Sometimes you feel a certain presence like a man holding you down – this is called the sleep paralysis demon.
Sleep paralysis can almost not be avoided as your brain will paralyse the muscles so that you don’t act out your dreams. It is advised to stay calm and allow persisting movements of the fingers or toes during an episode, as it can help disrupt the experience because almost nothing can be done voluntarily. If constant episodes occur, it is advised that you see a doctor or get therapy.
There can be possible prevention measures which include: Not falling asleep on your back, getting a good sleep hygiene (At least 8 hours a day), avoiding over use of stimulants (tobacco, alcohol and sleep pills) and learning to relax your muscles.
