Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. Sleep paralysis is a condition that many people experience at least once in their lifetime. In this state, a person feels awake but is unable to move their body or speak, which can be a frightening experience.
According to health experts, this condition is mainly related to the stages of sleep. During REM sleep, the body’s muscles naturally become inactive. However, if a person suddenly wakes up during this stage, the brain becomes active while the body remains temporarily immobile—this is what is referred to as sleep paralysis.
Experts say that excessive fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, and staying awake late at night can increase the likelihood of this condition. Similarly, people who sleep on their backs (lying flat) are more prone to experiencing it.
Mental stress and anxiety are also considered major contributing factors. Overthinking, fear, or worry can prevent the brain from fully relaxing, which affects sleep quality and increases the risk of sleep paralysis. Additionally, changes in work shifts or frequently altering sleep schedules can disrupt the body’s biological clock and lead to this condition.
However, according to healthcare professionals, this condition is generally normal and temporary and does not have serious long-term health effects. Still, certain precautions can help manage it.
Experts recommend getting 7–8 hours of sleep regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Sleeping on your side instead of your back, reducing the use of mobile phones or other screens before bedtime, and keeping the mind calm are also considered effective measures.
If sleep paralysis occurs, experts advise not to panic. Trying to slowly move fingers or small body parts can help the body return to normal more quickly.
Overall, although sleep paralysis can be a scary experience, it is a normal physiological process that can be largely controlled through a healthy lifestyle.
