Sleep Paralysis

General

Sleep paralysis is a temporary phenomenon which occurs either just after waking up from sleep or before going into deep sleep. After sleep paralysis is also known as hypnopompic paralysis. When it occurs before the deep sleep stage it is referred to as hypnagogic paralysis and is a natural part of rapid eye movement atonia.

Background

Sleep paralysis occurs because of a number of reasons. But the most typical explanation is that the while the brain awakes the body is still asleep. This happens because the motor neurons in the brain inhibit the muscles and delay the transmission of signals to the other parts of the body. As a result the individual continues with his dreams and may in fact have fanciful visions and hallucinations. This means that for a certain period of time there are delayed or limited responses during this period. Soon thereafter the brain restores order and the body functions in close synchronization with it. This signals the end of the period of paralysis.

How is it avoided?

Sleep paralysis can be obviated by regular exercise and a life style devoid of stress and strain. Adopting proper sleeping postures and avoiding sleeping in the supine position improves not only the quality of sleep but recovers the body the moment the brain awakes. The dream images are switched off by the brain along with instructions to the body muscles to arise because sleep is over. There is now no paralysis because there is perfect co-ordination between the neurons in the brain and the muscles of the individual.

This underlines the importance of regular exercise in our lives. It also confirms the fact that those of us who play games and exercise sleep better and enjoy a better quality of life.

Random Sleeping Tip

There are certain foods that help producing substances that initiate sleep. The ingredient that causes the production of serotonin from the brain is known as tryptophan and that it can be found in milk, turkey, as well as peanuts. It has been tested and proven that using the products such as milk, peanuts or turkey helps initiate sleep in people who are having trouble falling asleep.

Sleep paralysis in children occurs for the same reasons but must be tackled with a slight difference. Children must follow fixed routines of rest, recreation and meals. This enables the neurons in their brain to tune their body clock for adequate rest and synchronized recuperation of the brain and the body on termination of the sleep phase.

Conclusion

Sleep paralysis is a temporary phenomena but it cannot be ignored because if it is left uncared for, it could develop into other more serious malaise and affect the personality of the individual. This sleep disorder is prevalent amongst all age groups and is a result of prolonged mental and physical stress. Besides adequate rest, comfortable environs and regular exercise, counseling for alleviation of stress is advisable. Sleep paralysis has a lot to do with life styles. People who follow a sedentary routine and live in exorbitant style invariably fall prey to sleep paralysis. This lack of co-ordination between their brain and body muscles then stretches to the other systems with unfailing repetition. Consequently more serious ailments set in and the individual becomes of a victim of his indulgences.

Since we need a good quality sleep to recoup our energy and re-vitalize our systems a degree of self discipline in life is an imperative.

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