Q&A for How to Cope with Sleep Paralysis

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What triggers sleep paralysis?

Marc Kayem, MD
Sleep Specialist
Dr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.

Marc Kayem, MD

Sleep Specialist

Expert Answer

Stress is a major contributing factor to sleep problems. Before you go to bed, meditate, read a book, go for a walk, or engage in some other calming activity to relax.

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Question

Can doctors help with sleep paralysis?

Marc Kayem, MD
Sleep Specialist
Dr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.

Marc Kayem, MD

Sleep Specialist

Expert Answer

A sleep specialist can help treat basically any sleeping disorder. Even if they can't offer a specific treatment or medication, you'll get tons of good insight into how to improve your sleep. It certainly can't help to see a trained medical professional!

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Does keeping a T.V. turned on at night in case you fall into SP help at all?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

If keeping on a TV at night helps you when you fall into sleep paralysis helps, then it is a useful personal preference. This might not work for everyone though.

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Question

I cannot move any part of my part of my body and cannot breathe at this time. I am screaming in my heart to breathe. Will I eventually breathe?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

When this happens try a relaxation method. Focus on your hands and then feet. Try moving body parts and telling yourself you are alright and yes you will breath. Sleep paralysis is a temporary situation and should pass.

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Does this occurs due to some spiritual reasons?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Sleep paralysis is not attributed to any kind of deep spiritual reason, it is just a type of sleep disorder.

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Question

I've been in and out of SP for hours tonite! How on earth do I get back to sleep and not have this occur again and again? I got up and found your site . Please help me get rid of this .

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Try something pleasant as a means of reprogramming and refocusing. Read a pleasant book, poetry or listen to soft music. This is a good time to bring in the classical musics. Mozart, Beethoven and so on. Just focus on the music and the softness of it. Do whatever works for you.

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Hi, I have these episodes very often but my last one was terrifying, something was shaking me and my own scream woke me up. My heart beat was very fast too. Help!

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

This is more like a bad nightmare dream than actual sleep paralysis. Especially if the heartbeat is fast. It can be terrifying, yes. Take note of what you are watching and looking at during the day. The news is bad as are some movies. Does it happen after watching a violent movie?Then try watching softer, calmer movies. The same applies to reading and watching the news. Our subconscious brings back our recent memories during sleep. Try making those recent memories pleasant ones.

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Question

I heard that you feel like there are people or things that come into your room/bed and you can feel them breathing. Would this happen often or is it mainly just not moving?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

This is the fear of the unknown. It is not the same as hallucinating. You do not actually see people, rather you feel they are there. Focus again on the here and now, there is no one in the room. Keep telling yourself that there is no one and focus on your familiar surroundings.

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Question

I used to get sleep paralysis if I sleep in total darkness, but never again after I bought a low light lamp. Could it be happening because of fear of darkness (that I don't even realize)?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Well yes, and this is mind over matter. If you think that putting a low light lamp gives control then it will happen. The fear of darkness is related to the unknown that you cannot see. Once this has been removed then control is back.

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Question

What is the earliest age you can get sleep paralysis?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Sleep paralysis does not happen to small children. I am unsure of the exact age it can start.

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