The Myths of Paralysis Sleeping Disorder

Unlike other sleeping disorders that affect a person's sleep pattern, paralysis sleeping disorder can be scary. How will you feel when you get up one morning to find your body paralyzed?? Does it surprise you?? Yes, it's bad but true. Paralysis sleeping disorder can get so disturbing that the person does not wish to sleep!!

What Is Paralysis Sleeping Disorder?

Paralysis sleeping disorder is medically referred as Atonia. In this case, when one gets up from sleep or at the onset of sleep, the body muscles (especially, the trunk and limbs) loose their ability to move. It can be a threatening experience and is sure to arouse panic in anyone.

Some sleep specialists have linked the symptoms of paralysis sleeping disorder with narcolepsy, a condition that is characterized by extreme fatigue and day time sleepiness. However, there have been cases otherwise as well where no connection between narcolepsy and paralysis sleep disorder could be established. No certain reason for paralysis sleep disorder is known. It may be a genetic disorder running in families or associated with the functioning of one's central nervous system.

The consoling part of the paralysis sleeping disorder is that it is generally not harmful. Other than instilling fear and panic, the disorder is not known to cause any permanent damage. The terror is basically due to the sudden inability to move. It leaves people feeling helpless. In most cases of paralysis sleep disorders, the persons motor ability returns back after a time lapse. An episode of sleep paralysis usually ends with a touch or sound.

There are two kinds of paralysis sleeping disorder known - common sleep paralysis and hag paralysis (also known as hallucinatory paralysis). Individuals experience common paralysis sleep disorder at the onset of sleep i.e. during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. In this case, the individual is more or less aware of his paralyzed state.

In case of the hag paralysis sleep disorder the person experiences constant hypnagogic hallucinations i.e. when the person is oscillating between the sleep and wake states. The experienced conditions vary from fear, falling sensation and sometimes even joy!! A commonly expressed hallucination is the presence of a person or entity in the room. The state of paralysis of the body can last up to a period of eight minutes or even more.

Paralysis sleep disorder, as discussed earlier is not generally harmful but it can be a traumatic experience for any person. Generally, medications are prescribed only when such episodes occur too frequently. In other cases, the person is generally advised to reduce stress, exercise regularly and practice good sleep hygiene. Few tips such as taking a hot bath before sleep, listening to some relaxing music and maintaining regular sleep timings can be effective in getting relief from paralysis sleep disorder.

Related articles

New Information on Sleeping Disorders

Life Cycle Sleep Disorders

Information on Sleep Disorders and How To Handle Them

The Myths of Paralysis Sleeping Disorder

REM Sleep Disorder vs REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Important Sleep Disorder Information

Is Melatonin a Good Sleep Disorder Remedy?

How to Solve Your Sleep Problem

Sleeping Disorder Treatment

The Best Treatment for Sleeping Disorders

Treatments For Fibromyalgia Sleep Disorder

What Is The Best Medication for Sleep Disorder?

Is Sleep Disorder Medicine Effective?

Where To Find Good Sleep Disorder Center

Stop Snoring With Sleep Disorder Clinic