What is Sleep Paralysis? Causes and Remedies

Sleep paralysis is when the mind is awake but the body cannot move, often between sleep and wakefulness. It’s not life-threatening but can cause terrifying hallucinations. Common causes include sleep disorders, improper sleeping positions, stress, trauma, depression, sleep deprivation, and genetics. Symptoms involve a feeling of pressure on the chest, sweating, muscle pain, and extreme fear. Remedies include staying calm, focusing on breathing, trying small movements (like toes or fingers), and making small sounds to break the paralysis.

Causes:

- Sleep cycle disorder.

- Incorrect sleeping position.

- Psychological trauma, prolonged stress.

- Regular lack of sleep.

- Depression.

- Genetic factors.



Signs and symptoms:

- Feeling like something is pressing on you, difficulty breathing, sweating, fear.

- Body aches and pains after waking up.

- Fever, sweating a lot.

- Headache, muscle pain.

- Unable to breathe deeply.

- Extreme fear.



How to overcome sleep paralysis:

- Focus on breathing evenly: Calmly regulate your breathing.

- Keep your posture: Relax and reassure yourself.

- Try to make a small sound: Speak or cough lightly to wake up your body.

- Make small movements: Try to move your fingers and toes.