Waking up with the sun shining down on you is a great way to start your day. But what if when you open your eyes, that is the only thing you can do? Sleep paralysis is a terrifying feeling, one that overtakes your entire body. Without being able to move even in the slightest, the first thought that probably comes to your mind is: can you die from sleep paralysis?
But don’t worry. No matter how bone-chilling your paralysis experience is, you cannot die from it. You can, however, seek out therapy and specific treatments to better your sleeping habits.
What is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a haunting sleep disorder. It’s when you’re stuck in a weird stage between wakefulness and the dream world. But the worst part is that even though you’re semi-awake, you do not have control over your limbs. Your entire body freezes while your muscles enter an odd state of lockdown.
Moreover, what makes this experience even more terrifying is that while you’re lying there, paralyzed, you may or may not have disturbing hallucinations. Due to the nature of this frightening condition, most people refer to sleep paralysis as ‘The demon of the bedroom.’ This is a reference to the sleep paralysis demon, a common nightmarish hallucination.
Can You Die From Sleep Paralysis?
Despite being extremely horrifying, sleep paralysis is not a fatal condition. You cannot die from it, nor can it physically harm you in form or way. Although there are apparent mental health issues at play, physically, it is of no danger.
Not to mention, when you’re stuck in a position from which you cannot escape, coupled with a bone-chilling hallucination, it might seem like you’re on the brink of death. Perhaps that is why a sleep paralysis episode is linked to the haunting feeling of waking up dead. Nonetheless, it is nothing but narcolepsy taking root. Your life is not at risk when you’re experiencing a paralysis episode. That is unless you suffer from severe heart conditions, which could be a cause for concern.
What Causes Sleep Paralysis?
There is quite a lot of debate on what exactly causes sleep paralysis, and according to studies, the main culprit is none other than a disturbed REM (rapid eye movement) cycle.
Your sleep essentially has multiple layers to it, layers that overlap. Thus, when you shift from deep to light sleep, there is a period of REM sleep. This is when your brain temporarily locks your body from moving to prevent you from acting out dreams. Although sometimes what happens is that your brain wakes up way before your body, suspending you in that weird state of sleep paralysis.
There are other causes for it as well, such as;
- Unhealthy sleeping patterns
- Sleep deprivation or not getting enough time to rest
- High-stress levels
- Poor mental health
- Jet lag
- Genetic Predisposition
Where to Find The Best Treatment for Your Sleep Troubles
Although terrifying, sleep paralysis can not harm you. As a result, you can not die from sleep paralysis either. What you can do, however, is seek out proper treatment to prevent these episodes from occurring, especially if you get them constantly. Sleep & Headache Solutions provides just what you’re looking for. In addition. you can reach out to us at (832) 688-8886 for more information.