What Causes Sleep Paralysis?
Although there may be certain triggers, ultimately sleep paralysis is believed to be a problem with the regulation of REM. During this phase of sleep, the body is kept relaxed so that dreams are not acted out. If this relaxation, or atonia, occurs while the person is awake, it can cause temporary paralysis. This may be experienced when a REM period is disrupted.
Treatment of Sleep Paralysis
Though these episodes may be frightening, the disorder itself is not harmful and will generally resolve on its own. No treatment is needed, but avoiding sleep deprivation, stress, and other precipitants may be helpful. These are summarized in the sleep hygiene guidelines.
For those who suffer from multiple episodes and who are unable to tolerate the psychological distress, a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (or SSRI) may be prescribed. In addition, evaluation by a physician may be important to address sleep, mental health, or other medical disorders that can disrupt sleep.
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McCarty, D.E. et al. "A case of sleep paralysis with hypnopompic hallucinations." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2009;5(1):83-84.
Morton, K. "Paralyzed at Night: Is Sleep Paralysis Normal?" Stanford Sleep & Dreams. 2010.
Spanos, N.P. et al. "The frequency and correlates of sleep paralysis in a university sample." J Res Pers. 1995;29:285-305.
Takeuchi, T. et al. "Isolated sleep paralysis elicited by sleep interruption." Sleep. 1992;15:217-225.
Takeuchi, T. et al. "Factors related to the occurrence of isolated sleep paralysis elicited during a multiphasic sleep-wake schedule." Sleep 2002;25:89-96.
