Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs during sleep and is associated with the functioning of the muscular system. Let's take a closer look at its symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention.

Have you ever experienced a situation when you are unable to move during nighttime awakening? This condition is called nocturnal stupor and requires special attention. Up to 5 such attacks can occur in one night, which are accompanied by a strong feeling of fear, auditory or visual hallucinations. But it is not life-threatening. To date, the pathology has not yet been included in the International Classification of Diseases. But when diagnosing it, somnologists and neurologists use parasomnia coding. The disease is caused by an imbalance between the functioning of the brain and muscle tone.

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Causes sleep paralysis

Many doctors and scientists believe that involuntary attacks during sleep are a biological process provided by nature. The causes of sleep paralysis are associated with the desynchronization of the processes of the motor system and consciousness. Its main factor is based on problems with the nervous system. Most often, the malaise occurs in adolescents, but both adults and children suffer from it. It has been established that in some cases, the cause of the disorders is a genetic predisposition.

The main causes of imbalance are:

• Shift in circadian rhythms due to time zone or climate change.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Alcohol and drug addiction.
• Use of drugs, antidepressants.
• Mental illnesses.
• Lack of adequate sleep and insomnia.
• Disorders of the nervous system, stress, neuroses.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Sleeping on your back.

Stupor is associated with a disruption of the REM sleep phase, when the body is maximally relaxed. A similar condition is possible during the period of falling asleep. In this case, muscle paralysis occurs, due to the fact that the skeletal muscles relax faster than the brain. Many patients mistakenly associate this phenomenon with mental disorders, but this is not so. Paralysis is characterized by night awakenings in a motionless state, difficulty breathing due to a compressed chest, a feeling of someone else's presence nearby.

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Pathogenesis

For many centuries, night attacks have been described by various scientists and doctors. Very often they were spoken of as the action of otherworldly forces. In many cultures, there are stories about creatures, due to whose influence the sleeper became defenseless. About 40% of the world's population regularly faces this ailment, especially teenagers. Sleep paralysis can be congenital and inherited. The disorder occurs with mental disorders, in the phase of shallow or disturbed sleep, when falling asleep or waking up. Taking medications and drugs, stress, sleeping on your back at night can also provoke attacks.

Scientists have studied many cases of nocturnal stupor, and all of them are based on a sleep phase disorder. Pathogenesis is associated with restless and shallow sleep. Paralysis occurs at the stage of awakening or falling asleep. In the first case, it is called hypnopompic, and in the second, hypnagogic. During the process of falling asleep, the body gradually relaxes, consciousness becomes cloudy. But this does not always happen, in some cases, a person falling asleep is unable to move or produce a word, which causes fear and the so-called paralysis. Hypnopompic occurs upon awakening, after the REM phase. The entire process is divided into two stages, the duration of which is about 1.5 hours:

• Slow (slow eye movement) - real sleep comes in the second phase - this is 75% of the night's rest. It is during this period that the process of restoring the strength lost during the past day begins.
• Rapid (active eye movement) - after slow sleep comes rapid sleep, and dreams appear. During this period, desynchronization of the processes of the motor system and the sleepy consciousness is possible, since sleep is already passing, but the body is still unable to move. This lasts about 2 minutes, but the sensations and impressions received remain in the memory. This period can be accompanied by suffocation, hallucinations, tinnitus. Panic increases significantly when a person realizes that he cannot move or call for help. If a person knows what is really happening, then the acute symptoms are smoothed out or pass.

Attacks occur only when waking up on your own. They do not occur when waking up forcibly, i.e. due to loud sounds, screams, knocking and other factors. The disorder may be accompanied by narcolepsy, i.e. an irresistible desire to fall asleep. This is due to a pathological condition of the brain due to the lack of regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

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Symptoms sleep paralysis

A state that borders between sleep and wakefulness and is accompanied by visual or auditory hallucinations is nocturnal stupor. Symptoms of sleep paralysis are often confused with neurological and mental disorders. Most often, it occurs when falling asleep and has a number of characteristic features, let's consider them:

• Eye movement is preserved, but the sleeper cannot speak or move.
• Auditory and visual hallucinations, sensation of someone's presence or touch.
• A feeling of pressure in the chest, it may seem as if someone is standing on it.
• Panic fear and daydreams.

According to medical statistics, about 20%-60% of people at least once in their lives have encountered such a disorder. The problem is based on the disruption of the REM sleep phase, when the body is maximally relaxed, but there are no dreams. If atonia, that is, relaxation occurs before complete sleep, then this leads to paralysis.

First signs

The imbalance between the functioning of the brain and the tone of muscle tissue, like a number of other pathological conditions, has early signs that allow it to be recognized. Let's consider them in more detail:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing due to a feeling of pressure on the chest
• Disorientation in the room
• Fear, panic and lack of understanding of what is happening
• There is a feeling that the body is moving separately from consciousness.
• Hallucinations

When they appear, it is necessary to relax as much as possible and wait a little for the attack to pass. People who are susceptible to suggestion, with a weak psyche, introverts and with an exhausted nervous system are especially susceptible to the disorder. These symptoms can hardly be called typical for most diseases, but they can appear with mental disorders. They are formed by temporary disruptions in the functioning of various mediators of the brain.

Sleep paralysis syndrome

A nocturnal phenomenon characterized by complete or partial immobilization during the period of falling asleep or waking up is sleep paralysis syndrome. The sleeping person retains the ability to visually inspect. That is, having fallen into a state of stupor, a person can only open his eyes and inspect the room. In this case, visual, tactile or auditory hallucinations may occur. Breathing is interrupted and suffocation occurs, and a feeling of someone's presence in the room may occur. Having woken up, the sleeping person is faced with a feeling of horror, the presence of something dangerous.

Hypnagogic hallucinations that occur between sleep and wakefulness are divided into the following categories:

• Intruder – various sounds (stomping, opening doors, wheezing) and the appearance of shadows.
• Incubus - difficulty breathing and suffocation. There is a feeling of impending death.
• Vestibular-motor group: sensation of being out of the body, falling, levitation.

Another name for it is the old witch syndrome. Medicine considers this pathology as a violation of one of the sleep phases. Physiologically, it is similar to natural paralysis, but it does not last longer than a couple of minutes.

Complications and consequences

What is the danger of sleep paralysis? Anyone who has experienced night attacks has probably wondered what is the danger of sleep paralysis. The malaise is accompanied by a state of horror, many are put into a panic, but it is not life-threatening. After a couple of minutes, everything returns to normal, breathing and heartbeat return to normal, and the person falls asleep again. Constantly thinking about the upcoming sleep, a person provokes a neurotic disorder and insomnia, which require medical treatment.

In most cases, stupor is not dangerous, but if it occurs on a regular basis and interferes with your night's rest, you should see a doctor. You will need medical help if at the time of the disorder you are undergoing treatment for epilepsy, narcolepsy, or bipolar disorder. In other cases, it is recommended to follow a regimen, ventilate the room before bed, and try not to sleep on your back. But if an attack does occur, you should not be afraid, since it is associated with sleep disorders and physiological characteristics of the body, and not the influence of aliens or otherworldly forces.

Night pathology does not pose a particular danger to human life, but can cause a number of consequences. First of all, these are nervous and mental disorders, a state of stress. Due to a lack of understanding of what is happening, the sleeper is faced with a feeling of fear and panic. This is possible if several attacks occur during the night.

But it is important to understand that the unpleasant condition is a temporary phenomenon that will quickly pass. Therefore, you need to relax as much as possible and not focus on it. To speed up awakening, it is recommended to try moving your fingers. You should not attach any importance to the visions that arise during the attack. Whatever you see or hear is not real.

Consequences are possible if a person obsesses over what happened, associating it with various diseases or the influence of otherworldly forces. Against this background, neurosis develops, problems with sleep due to the fear of experiencing paralysis again. In rare cases, it is associated with deep psychiatric problems. But often this is a sign that the body is confused in the stages of sleep.

The disorder of the sleep-wake system raises many questions and fears associated with it. This can be explained by its unusual symptoms. Anyone who has encountered this pathology has probably wondered whether it can cause complications.

The main complications of sleep paralysis are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling of horror
• Tachycardia
• Auditory and visual hallucinations

These symptoms may persist for some time after the attack. If it occurs in people with weak psyche, then against this background various nervous disorders appear that require medical care.

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Diagnostics sleep paralysis

If problems with night awakenings occur regularly, you should see a doctor. Sleep paralysis diagnostics are based on the patient's complaints. The symptoms that cause discomfort and disrupt the normal routine are studied. Very often, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep appear against this background. Collecting anamnesis allows you to develop the right therapeutic approach to eliminate the ailment.

The diagnosis is carried out by a somnologist, a specialist who studies sleep problems. During the examination, the patient will be asked to keep a diary for several weeks to record episodes of paralysis and the sensations that arise at that moment. Family history is necessarily studied, as well as night rest in order to ensure that there are no other pathological disorders.

The main methods of diagnosing the night phenomenon:

• Tests, surveys, interviews – this diagnostic complex is necessary to collect patient complaints, study the signs of the syndrome and its other features.
• Polysomnography – the patient is placed in a special sleep laboratory overnight. Sensors are used to monitor brain activity and the performance of the respiratory system. Chest movements, blood oxygen saturation, and the volume of inhaled and exhaled air are studied. This study allows for a full study of all 5 stages of sleep, recording the disorder and determining its cause.
• Mean sleep latency test – used to detect narcolepsy. Night attacks may be associated with this neurological disorder, which is characterized by excessive sleepiness and difficulty controlling sleep.

The main rule of diagnostics is a comprehensive approach. In addition to the above methods, psychological, neurological and psychological research is carried out. The chronological type of the patient and the presence of diseases that provoke paralysis are determined.

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Tests

Laboratory research methods are used in diagnostics of any disease. Tests allow to determine the cause of the pathological condition more accurately. It is worth remembering that sleep paralysis is not a medical diagnosis, therefore it is classified as parasomnia. The need for laboratory tests depends on the symptoms of the disorder and the possibility of studying predisposing factors. Tests are prescribed if more complex disorders are suspected, provoking an imbalance between the functioning of the brain and muscle tone.

The patient may be prescribed a blood test to determine leukocyte agents if there is a risk of developing narcolepsy. Certain types of agents are related to genetic material, so they help in identifying autoimmune diseases. According to medical statistics, 20% of the world's population has an antigen associated with narcolepsy.

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Instrumental diagnostics

There are many factors that can provoke a disruption of one of the sleep phases. Instrumental diagnostics are necessary to identify the root cause of the unpleasant condition. Research is carried out by a somnologist and a neurologist.

The main diagnostic method is polysomnography with video monitoring. It identifies sleep phases, analyzes their course and possible failures. The doctor receives information about the activity of the brain, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In addition, the patient undergoes capnography and pulse oximetry. This is necessary to track and analyze emotional-affective and motor reactions.

If cerebral organic pathology is suspected, computed tomography and MRI of the brain, ultrasound of extracranial vessels are performed. An assessment of the psycho-emotional state using a neuropsychological examination is also indicated.

Differential diagnosis

The desynchronization of the motor system and consciousness processes is similar in its symptoms to neurological disorders. Differential diagnostics allows us to separate this condition from a number of other pathologies. At the initial stages, the defect is similar to parasomnia, that is, sleep destruction at the moment of awakening. Its main difference is that very rapid eye movement is observed, as well as sleepwalking, nightmares and confusion of consciousness.

• Paralysis is similar to parasomnia nightmares. But night terrors are characteristic of both pathologies. With parasomnia they are longer - more than 15 minutes and after them sleep is interrupted. Stupor ends quickly, after which the person falls asleep again.
• Sleepwalking is not considered a symptom of the disorder. However, short-term immobility can trigger it. Most often, this occurs when the disorder is hereditary.
• Confusion occurs due to disruption of the deep sleep phase. This causes severe muscle weakness upon awakening, similar to the immobility experienced during the nocturnal phenomenon.
• The syndrome is differentiated from epilepsy, for this purpose EEG monitoring and provocative tests are used. The patient undergoes consultation with an epileptologist.

Differential diagnostics makes it possible to thoroughly understand the situation that has arisen and identify its true causes.

Sleep paralysis or old witch syndrome

If you wake up at night from suffocation in a state of horror and at the same time feel a foreign presence, then you have sleep paralysis or old witch syndrome. This condition is associated with the specifics of physiology and sleep phase disorders. This occurs at the stage of falling asleep or in the pre-sleep period. A person cannot move, scream or pronounce a word. This lasts from a few seconds to a minute, waking up, the sleeper feels a state of panic and horror.

The old witch syndrome has been studied for many centuries and is described in many religions, where it is associated with the action of various otherworldly forces. Thus, in Orthodoxy, attacks are associated with demons, and the Muslim faith explains them as the tricks of genies. The mythology of different countries of the world has its own explanation for the disorder. But, despite the panic and fear, stupor is not dangerous. In order to prevent it from occurring, it is enough to normalize the time of night rest, minimize stress and other factors affecting night rest.

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Treatment sleep paralysis

Disturbance of one of the sleep phases is not a disease. Treatment of sleep paralysis is not an easy task. This is due to the fact that the pathological condition does not respond to conservative therapy, but can become chronic. Based on this, the defect from time to time goes into remission, but when exacerbated, it worsens the quality of life and negatively affects the central nervous system.

The treatment consists of the following stages:

• Organize a proper daily routine. It is necessary to give up bad habits and lead an active lifestyle. You need to prepare for a night's rest in advance: air the room, take a bath, that is, relax as much as possible. The last meal should be 3 hours before bedtime.
• Strengthening the body. A properly selected course of vitamin therapy will increase resistance to external irritants. Particular attention should be paid to the diet, food should be rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
• Treatment of chronic diseases. This is one of the factors that can provoke sleep problems. Timely therapy of neurological, mental and other diseases is the key to healthy sleep without waking up.

The success of treatment largely depends on timely initiation of therapy. If the imbalance occurs regularly, with several attacks per night, then the help of a neurologist and somnologist is required.

Medicines

Since the desynchronization of the motor system and consciousness processes is not classified as a disease, there are no specific medications intended for its treatment. All therapy is based on eliminating factors that negatively affect sleep and the body's recovery process. But if non-drug methods are not effective enough, the doctor prescribes medications. As a rule, these are drugs that improve the process of falling asleep and are used for insomnia, frequent awakenings and other pathological conditions.

• If the doctor has determined that painful sensations caused by injuries and other factors are causing the disorder, the patient is prescribed Ibuprofen, Diclofenac or other painkillers with a sedative effect.
• If paralysis is associated with emotional disorder, then Triazolam or Nitrazepam is used. In case of depressive disorder, Chloral hydrate or Amitriptyline is indicated.
• When changing time zones, working at night, and also during attacks in elderly patients and those with weakened bodies, Flurazepam, Zolpidem or Temazepam are used.

Correctly selected medications restore normal sleep, eliminating night awakenings, as well as the associated feelings of fear and panic. Let's take a closer look at popular medications:

1. Melatonin

Melatonin is a substance produced by the pineal gland, also called the sleep hormone. Natural production depends on the body's biological clock, that is, the change in the day-night cycle. The substance has antioxidant activity, prevents the formation of free radicals.

• Indications for use: sleep disorders, insomnia, delayed sleep phase syndrome, regulation of the biological cycle with frequent changes in time zones. The drug stimulates the immune system, stabilizes blood pressure.
• Melatonin is available in tablet form, so it is intended for oral administration. For adult patients, I prescribe 1-2 tablets 1-2 hours before bedtime, for children over 12 years old, 1 capsule before bedtime.
• Side effects are extremely rare. This is possible when the prescribed dosage is exceeded. Stomach discomfort, headaches and depression appear.
• Contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation. The medicine is taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

2. Vita-melatonin

Synthetic analogue of melatonin. Its action is based on inhibition of secretion of hormones of the adenohypophysis. Increases serotonin levels, normalizes circadian rhythms, biological change of sleep and wakefulness. Improves stress resistance, mental and physical performance.

• Indications for use: treatment and prevention of circadian rhythm disorders, frequent time zone changes. Helps with chronic insomnia, spontaneous night awakenings and other sleep disorders.
• The tablets are taken orally with water. Adults are prescribed 1-2 tablets per day 30 minutes before bedtime at the same time. The duration of therapy should not exceed 1 month. The dosage for the prevention of pathologies of night rest is determined by the doctor. As a rule, 1-2 tablets per day 30 minutes before bedtime for 2 months.
• Side effects are manifested by many organs and systems. Most often, patients complain of skin allergic reactions, rash, itching, as well as gastrointestinal disorders. Headaches and migraine attacks, frequent mood swings, decreased visual acuity, muscle pain are possible. To eliminate them, it is necessary to stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the product, leukemia, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, diabetes. Not used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for the treatment of pediatric patients. In case of overdose, disorientation and prolonged sleep develop. Symptomatic therapy is used for treatment.

3. Neurostabil

A dietary supplement of plant origin with general strengthening and calming properties. As a rule, it is prescribed to patients with frequent attacks, when the pathology has become the cause of fear of falling asleep. The herbal composition of the drug increases the body's resistance to stressful situations. The phytocomplex contains the following components: motherwort herb, oregano herb, folic acid, peony root, hop cones, calcium, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, vitamins B, A, C, D, PP.

• Indications for use: sleep problems, biological cycle disorders, neuroses, high stress levels, increased neuro-reflex excitability, insomnia, headaches and migraine, frequent convulsions. Effective in acute and chronic stress with somatic diseases.
• The method of application and dosage are selected individually for each patient. Adults are prescribed 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day during meals, and for children 1 capsule per day. Standard therapy takes 30 days, if necessary, treatment is extended.
• Side effects are possible if there is intolerance to the components of the drug. Since Neurostabil is of plant origin, it is well tolerated, provided that the prescribed dosages are observed. It is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, during pregnancy and lactation.

In addition to the above-described medications, you can use sedative herbal remedies (Valerian, Motherwort, Peony Root), but only as prescribed by a somnologist or neurologist.

Vitamins

Good health and well-being largely depend on a good night's rest. Various attacks, frequent awakenings and related stress undermine the immune system and negatively affect the body's condition. Vitamins are one of the sources that prevent pathological conditions. Let's take a closer look at which vitamins, minerals and microelements help normalize sleep:

• Vitamin A – is responsible for adequate sleep and healthy nerve cells. To replenish the reserves of this substance, you need to eat dried fruits, especially dried apricots, hard cheeses, egg whites and butter, raw carrots and sweet potatoes.
• B vitamins normalize the process of falling asleep, protect the body from stress, chronic fatigue and brain disorders. B1 is a natural antioxidant and relieves nervous tension. It is found in porridge (buckwheat, wheat, oatmeal), seaweed, milk. B6 eliminates nervousness, helps to fall asleep, improves mood. It is found in prunes, milk, seeds, pork, mashed potatoes and nuts. B12 is responsible for the proper functioning of the brain. Its deficiency causes insomnia and frequent attacks of nocturnal stupor. The vitamin is found in beef, pork, liver, dairy products and eggs.
• Vitamin C – promotes the production of anti-stress hormones that prevent nervousness and irritability. Contained in lemons, oranges, grapefruit, spinach, cauliflower, sweet peppers, tomatoes, gooseberries.
• Vitamin D – is necessary if you do not feel rested after sleep, fatigue and yawning haunt you throughout the day. The body receives the vitamin from sunlight, that is, when sunbathing, as well as from sea fish and algae.
• Vitamin E – is responsible for normal brain function, controls fatigue and drowsiness. To compensate for its deficiency, the diet should include nuts, olive and sunflower oil.
• Magnesium - if you have problems falling asleep and waking up frequently, then your body has a deficiency of this substance. To replenish it, your daily diet should include vegetables, pumpkin seeds, various nuts, legumes and fish.
• Potassium - its deficiency causes restless sleep, frequent night awakenings. Potassium is contained in bananas, vegetables, baked potatoes with skin.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is often used as an auxiliary method for imbalance between the motor system and consciousness. It has its own characteristics, so the type of procedure is determined by the doctor, based on the severity of the pathological symptoms. The treatment is aimed at toning and psychostimulating the body to normalize the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

Physiotherapy treatment consists of the following procedures:

• Electrophoresis with the use of sedatives and calming medications.
• Massage to normalize blood circulation, relieve tension and anxiety.
• Electrosleep therapy is the effect of a constant current impulse on the central nervous system.
• Relaxing baths with sea salt, essential oils, pearl, oxygen and iodine-bromine baths.
• Galvanization of the collar zone is an effect on nerve endings with current.
• Acupuncture is the application of special needles to the body at acupuncture points to stimulate the body.
• Aerotherapy is climatotherapy using free air.
• Electrosleep is a treatment using weak low-frequency electrical impulses. To do this, electrodes are placed on the patient's eyelids, transmitting current to the brain and blood vessels.

Physiotherapy is carried out in hydrotherapy centers, sanatoriums or massage rooms.

Folk remedies

The night phenomenon has been known since ancient times. To eliminate it, folk treatment was used, which does not lose its relevance to this day. Alternative methods of therapy are based on the use of only herbal components that effectively and safely eliminate sleep disorders, drowsiness, insomnia and other disorders.

Popular folk remedies for sleep paralysis:

• For a quick and peaceful sleep, it is recommended to take a glass of warm milk and mix it with a spoonful of honey. Drink the remedy immediately before bedtime.
• A warm bath with aromatic oils of lavender, mint and rose (5-7 drops) will help you relax and relieve tension. As a rule, after such a procedure, sleep lasts until the morning without any awakenings.
• Mix 200 g of honey with 30 ml of apple cider vinegar until smooth. Take a couple of spoons of the mixture 30-40 minutes before bed. This will speed up falling asleep and help you relax as much as possible.
• Before going to bed, you can make a calming tea with a sleep-inducing effect with mint, hawthorn and lemon balm. Take all the ingredients in equal proportions, pour boiling water over them, let it brew for 20 minutes and strain. You can drink the tea with honey. A relaxing bath is perfect after this remedy.

In most cases, folk remedies do not have a detrimental effect on the body, but to avoid unwanted reactions, it is better to consult with your doctor.

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Herbal treatment

The safest and at the same time most effective means for normalizing sleep phases, the process of falling asleep and eliminating insomnia is herbal treatment. Plant components act gently on the body, without causing side effects.

Effective herbal treatment recipes:

• Pour 500 ml of vodka over a handful of crushed fresh flowers of the sleep-grass and let it brew in a dark, cool place for 10-15 days. The resulting remedy should be filtered and taken 10 ml before bedtime.
• Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 20 g of valerian herb and let it brew. Strain the resulting infusion and take 100 ml.
• Pour 400 ml of boiling water over a handful of dry crushed hawthorn berries and leave for 1-2 hours. Strain the infusion and drink it in three doses 30-40 minutes before bedtime.
• Take equal proportions of valerian herb, mint, hop cones, crushed chicory root and honey. Mix all ingredients, pour boiling water over them and leave until completely cool. Take the strained drink 1-1.5 hours before going to bed.
• Pour 250 ml of boiling water over dried calendula flowers, thyme and motherwort in a 1:1:1 ratio and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the warm infusion, add honey and drink at night.

Before using any herbal infusions, you should consult with your doctor, as they may interact poorly with the medications you are taking or may aggravate certain pathologies of the body.

Homeopathy

Alternative medicine or homeopathy is used in the treatment of many diseases. It is used for insomnia, sleep disorders and as a method of eliminating sleep paralysis. Homeopathic drugs are used only as prescribed by a doctor, after determining the cause of the pathological condition.

Homeopaths have over 1,000 different remedies to treat sleep phase disorders. The type, form of release and dosage of the medicine are individual for each patient. This allows minimizing the risk of developing side effects, addiction or withdrawal syndrome.

Common homeopathic remedies:

• Aconite - helps with frequent awakenings, restless sleep, insomnia associated with anxiety and stress, as well as the inability to fall asleep.
• Arnica – is used in cases where the cause of nocturnal stupor is increased physical exertion or overexertion.
• Coffea is effective for disorders associated with increased mental activity.
• Nux Vomica - frequent awakenings at night, several attacks of paralysis per night, gloomy dreams, early awakening and heavy morning sleep, intense drowsiness and yawning during the day.

The best treatment effect is possible with a positive attitude of the patient. The less you dwell on the problem, the calmer your sleep will be.

Surgical treatment

To treat involuntary attacks during sleep, non-drug methods are usually used. That is, various physiotherapy procedures, adherence to a daily routine, proper nutrition, and much more. The use of drugs is used extremely rarely, when the state of stupor is a symptom of other pathologies of the body.

Surgical treatment of sleep paralysis is possible if the disorder has appeared, for example, as a result of breathing problems caused by snoring. The operation is performed to eliminate the underlying cause. A full diagnosis allows us to identify all the factors of sleep phase disorders and select the most effective treatment methods.

Prevention

Sleep paralysis syndrome is not a life-threatening pathology. Therefore, its prevention is aimed at normalizing all phases of sleep. In most cases, the patient is not prescribed specific therapy, since a set of supportive and general strengthening measures allows eliminating the disorder.

Prevention methods:

• Monitoring the body's condition and timely treatment of diseases that can cause sleep problems.
• Taking mild antidepressants (plant-based) to normalize the psycho-emotional background.
• Minimize stressful situations or excessive exertion before bedtime
• Ventilate the room before going to bed.
• The last meal should be three hours before the planned night's rest.
• A full eight hours of sleep.

Following these recommendations helps to restore a good night's sleep without fears and nightmares.

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Forecast

Sleep paralysis is the cause of fears for people of all ages. It occurs unexpectedly, leaving behind a state of panic and horror. But with the right approach to its treatment and prevention, it has a favorable prognosis. Adherence to the sleep and wakefulness regimen, proper nutrition and regular exercise are a guarantee of a full, healthy night's rest, which will not be disturbed by the old witch syndrome.

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