Hi,
Sleeping paralysis is a condition in which a person is unable to move or speak right as u r falling asleep or waking up. Usual causes that may aggravate the episode of
sleep paralysis are anxiety, stress, jet lag, poor
sleep hygiene or not having proper sleep habits. This episode makes you extremely tired throughout the day or keep you up at night. The signs and symptoms of sleeping paralysis are as follows-
Unable to move the body when falling asleep or waking up for few seconds to few minutes.
The sleeper is awake or half awake.
Unable to speak.
May have breathing difficulties.
May have chest pain.
May have headache,
muscle pain.
May have
hallucinations.
Excessive sweating.
Feeling of death is coming.
A sense of spinning, flying, floating, falling over one's body.
Antidepressants may help to restore the sleeping pattern. Exercising regularly, practicing meditation, abstaining from evening tea, coffee or alcohol, managing anxiety or stress, maintaining good sleep hygiene etc may help to subside the episodes of sleeping paralysis.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician