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What is sleep paralysis?

North Penn student Urvi Javiya exploring sleep study at the IMC
North Penn student Urvi Javiya exploring sleep study at the IMC
Chaity Sarkar

Sleep paralysis is an event in which a person is briefly awoken from sleep in a paralyzed state. According to NIH, about 7.6% of the human population have sleep paralysis and females have a slightly higher chance to receive it. Throughout this period, the person is usually aware of their surroundings but unable to speak or move as if they are frozen. This can be even more frightening to some people as some experience hallucinations, while sleep paralysis is considered to be harmless with no physical harm. People with irregular sleep schedules have a higher chance to experience sleep paralysis. 

         “The worst sleep paralysis episode I’ve experienced involved multiple occurrences within a single dream. Each time, I’d “wake up,” believing that the nightmare was over, only to find myself unable to move and breathe again, with a pair of eyes watching me. Milliseconds of relief separated each horrifying episode. This cycle continued until I finally woke up, but I didn’t trust that it was reality for hours,” North Penn High School student Varisha Jaffery stated.

         There are many ways to prevent sleep paralysis as it can happen both while falling asleep or waking from sleep, such as getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, going to bed on schedule, avoiding eating, smoking or caffeine right before bed and not sleeping on your back. According to Harvard Health, taking a bath, relaxing your body before bed and reading could potentially prevent you from experiencing sleep paralysis. 

   In conclusion, sleep paralysis could be frightening and confusing, but understanding its causes can help individuals and others to manage and cope more efficiently. Whether it is linked to stress, lack of sleep or other sleep related disorders, getting enough rest or seeking professional help are great steps to manage the condition. As research continues, we may later uncover even deeper insights of the mysteries of sleep and the mind. 

 

Sources:

 Harvard Health

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Chaity Sarkar
Chaity Sarkar, Staff Writer