Sleep Paralysis is a sleeping disorder that leaves someone with the feeling of being paralyzed while they are awake. Healthy sleepers are unable to move while they are asleep, but as soon as they wake up, they have full control of their bodies again. An individual with Sleep Paralysis is not receiving the correct brain signals at the appropriate time during the sleep cycle. Someone with sleep paralysis is unable to move even though they are awake. They may feel a pressure on their chest, as if they are being pinned down. They are unable to speak and experience limited respiration and eye movement. They may feel as if they are being choked, hear strange noises, or see shapes or shadows. It is a highly unpleasant experience that can last for a few seconds or minutes, and people who experience it become very frightened, even if they know that they suffer from the disorder.
Researchers are not certain why those with the sleep disorder experience frightening hallucinations, but many believe it has something to do with anxiety. Individuals with the condition experience severe panic, which may lead to hallucinations. The sleep disorder usually affects people with narcolepsy, and some scientists believe that the condition is hereditary. Researchers believe that there could be a link between Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome and Sleep Paralysis. This does not mean that someone with sleep paralysis is at risk of dying, the condition does not cause someone bodily harm.
It is important for someone with the sleep disorder to find out more about sleep paralysis treatment. Many people with the condition avoid sleeping. They are terrified to undergo another episode of sleep paralysis. Lack of sleep can worsen the condition and one of the common sleep paralysis treatment recommendations is to get plenty of sleep. Getting an adequate amount of sleep can reduce the frequency of attacks. Although the attacks are frightening, someone with the disorder should focus on the fact that they are in no danger and that they will be able to move their body within a few minutes.
Sleeping pills are not a standard sleep paralysis treatment, because they do not work for everyone. Someone might want to try a non prescription sleeping aid such as Excedrin PM or Tylenol PM to see if it helps. Taking melatonin may also be an effective sleep paralysis treatment. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found in the body, and taking melatonin supplements can help someone to sleep. One of the best sleep paralysis treatment options is antidepressants. Many people with sleep paralysis find that their condition greatly improves after they begin taking prescription antidepressants such as Zoloft or Prozac.
Those who are looking for a simple sleep paralysis treatment should find out more about controlled breathing. People who learn to calm themselves through breathing techniques may be able to reduce their fear and anxiety during an attack. Some people use prayer as a way to relax themselves until they are able to move again. Eliminating caffeine and exercising regularly is another effective sleep paralysis treatment. Feeling secure and relaxed before going to bed can help. Some people find the smell of peppermint, a scented pillow, Vicks vaporizer rub or fragrant body sprays to be soothing. People with the sleep disorder should try out various sleep paralysis treatment methods to find out which ones help. There is no single sleep paralysis treatment method that works for everyone. While one sleep paralysis treatment does not work for one individual, it may completely cure the disorder for another.