Have you ever tried to fall asleep, only to end up in a state where you're stuck - you try to speak, move your body, move your eyes, or anything in desperation to call for help, but you're unable to move. Chances are, you have experienced sleep paralysis.
Now, sleep paralysis is more common than one may think. WebMD, states that out of 10 people, 4 can experience this condition, demonstrating how common it is among the public.
Sleep Cycle
Sleep Paralysis is heavily dependent with the sleep cycle. Healthline mentions that there are two types of sleep: Non-REM sleep that has several stages, and REM sleep with only one stage.
In Non-REM sleep, there are typically five stages. In the first stage, the body is essentially entering a state of tranquility. One’s body starts to relax and heart rate slows down. The brain also produces theta and alpha brain waves which is when the body is relaxed, but one is still conscious In stage 2, the body continues to further slow down, and the body will continue to slow down heart rate, and lower body temperature. In addition, one has spikes on their consciousness where they are aware and then unaware. As for the third and fourth stages, the body is deeply into a state of relaxation. This is also where the body will try to restore and repair itself in areas such as muscles.
The body eventually reaches the final stage of sleep, known as REM. In this stage, the body starts to increase in heart rate, there is eye movement, involuntary muscle movement like the diaphragm for breathing. However, what is important is that the brain starts to release glycine which is a neurotransmitter that paralyzes the body to prevent the body from moving or harming oneself.
How does Sleep Paralysis affect the cycle?
However, if one wakes up during the REM stage, there is an issue because there is a conflict with being aware, and the paralyzing of the body. This explains why one may be unable to move or have voluntary movement, but know that they are awake, making one feel trapped. There is unfortunately, no exact or clear reason as to why one wakes up in REM.
Treatment
However, despite the common occurrences, there are treatments to prevent it. There is the possibility that there are mental conditions like depression that are causing the sleep paralysis, so receiving medication for the mental condition would be the best way to avoid the sleeping paralysis. For instance, PatientInfo mentions that if one has depression, they may need to take tricyclic antidepressants that can consist of imipramine and clomipramine, which reduce the sleep paralysis occurrences. Imipramine and clomipramine are chemicals that work with the brain to make sure that it keeps the body asleep or unaware, and prevent disturbances a night. Medications like these can help the brain function properly which can stop the occurrences of sleep paralysis.
Although, the most effective and best manner would be to improve sleeping habits so that they are consistent, and should aim for about 6-8 hours. For instance, one can make the effort to go to bed at 11PM, and wake up at 7AM regularly, and aim for 8 hours of sleep.
Sources
https://themighty.com/2019/08/guide-to-antidepressants/
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