What is sleep paralysis and how to get rid of it

This feeling is familiar to many. Remember, after you chasing something terrible, you want to get away, but... His arms and legs seemed paralyzed, and if it turns out they stir, then you are moving in the pudding.

Sleeps such sensations are absolutely normal (albeit forced to experience). But sometimes they break into reality.

What is sleep paralysis and where it is taken

Sleep paralysisSleep Paralysis - this expression until the complete immobility of muscle weakness, which is sometimes observed before falling asleep or just after waking up.

Basically, disabling the muscles responsible for the movement in sleep time - break in the evolution of the security measure. If it was not, sleeper to get up from the bed, jumping, running, fighting, trying to fly - in general, be carried out all those tricks that are in the story of the dream. And more likely to be ditched in early childhood. If not yourself, then because of some nocturnal predator.

Actually, our excessively moving during sleep ancestors eventually eaten. Or they have died from the constant

lack of sleep (Try to sleep enough, if every now and then come across a foreign object!). And we, the representatives of modern mankind, went to the genes of those who sleep on time - or rather, its quick phase with dreaming - froze.

But sometimes it happens that the brain is awake and began to realize itself, and the body is still in a dream. Feeling at the same time non-transferable.

What are the symptoms of sleep paralysis

If suddenly you have to deal with sleepy paralysis, remember: it is absolutely safe. That is not harmful to your health.

According to statistics, 40% of people at least once in their life experienced this eerie sensation is conscious, but could not move hand or foot.

Is that light can cause stress. Which is fully justified, given the accompanyingSleep Paralysis paralysis "special effects." Here are the most common:

• the horror of imprisonment in a stationary body;
• fear of being buried alive;
• difficulty inhaling air: it seems that on the chest something presses. Or someone sits on it: in ancient times, when faced with a sleepy paralysis, people often blamed evil spirits nasevshih per person;
• the feeling that the room is someone or something that is configured explicitly hostile.

Fortunately, sleep paralysis short duration - from several seconds to a few minutes.

What are the causes of sleep paralysis

It is not entirely clear what holds the body in REM sleep, when the brain is awake. However, scientists have tracked the factors that increase the risk of this disorder. Here they are:

• Chronic lack of sleep when you sleep on a regular basis is much less than the normal 7-8 hours a day;
• sleep disorders - such as insomnia or sleep apnea;
• irregular sleep. It may be associated with shift work and jet lag;
• some nerve disorders - the same acute stress or bipolar disorder (affective insanity);
• the habit of sleeping on your back;
• taking certain drugs - e.g., drugs, controlling ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
• alcohol or drug abuse;
• heredity.

How to treat sleep paralysis

In most cases, it occurs only once or twice in their lifetime, and disappears without a trace. Doctors believe that treating it is not necessary. To reduce the risk, quite a few lifestyle changes.

1. How to get enough sleep

Most adults need between 6 and 8 hours of daily good night sleep.

2. Observe sleep schedule

Every evening, lie down and get up in the morning at about the same time.

3. Make sure that the bedroom was cozy

You need a quiet, comfortable, with a slight gloom and cool room air.

4. Do not use the gadgets for the night

Put your smartphone, turn off the television and close the notebook at least an hour and a half before going to sleep.

5. Do not overeat at dinner

It is also contraindicated in the evening smoking, caffeine and alcohol.

6. Be physically active during the day

Walking, swimming, regular workouts at the gym help normalize sleep. Just try to finish the active forms of "charging" (the same strength training, vigorous fitness, sprinting) not later than four hours before going to bed.

When it is necessary to consult a doctor

Sleep paralysis is rarely in need of medical advice. Here are signs that you still need to contact a physician or neurologist:

• sleep paralysis happens to you on a regular basis - once a week or month;
• because of that you are afraid to go to sleep, or can not properly sleep;
• besides the main symptom, you constantly feel the strong drowsiness during the day. Or do you have episodes occurred when you suddenly fall asleep on the go.

The physician will advise how to normalize sleep. Most likely, its recommendations will relate to your lifestyle. However, in particularly complex cases, the expert can offer drink antidepressants course. These drugs partially change REM sleep. In the treatment of sleep paralysis are appointed at lower doses than for depression.