Sleep is one of the most crucial things one needs for you to stay healthy and energized. Unfortunately, there are times people will experience sleeping disorders or a few nightmares. With sleep paralysis falling under the odd sleeping occurrences people suffer from.
There are many things to learn about sleep paralysis. With individuals who have experienced it fearing for their lives because of the terrifying things occur while it happens. But one thing people might be wondering about is: "Can you die from sleep paralysis?"
It may seem a bit scary thinking about it, which is why we tackle about what you need to know about this disorder and if it should be something to worry about.
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What Is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is the inability to move or speak while you are sleeping. It's a temporary feeling as if you were paralyzed and cannot wake up. This happens while you try to wake up or fall asleep. A sense of paralysis only happens for a few seconds to minutes.
There are millions of people around the world who experience sleep paralysis. Some people experience it a few times in a month, while some have it regularly. Others would have sleep paralysis once or twice in their lifetime.
Sleep paralysis would affect anyone of all ages, from children to seniors. But it would mostly occur in teenagers and young adults.
The primary symptom of sleep paralysis would be the inability to wake up from your sleep. You are aware of your surroundings, but you can't move or talk. It happens mostly when you are about to wake up but can sometimes happen right before you sleep.
Some other symptoms include difficulty in breathing, inability to open or move their eye. As well as hallucinations that someone is in the room or the feeling of being terrified. After the sleep paralysis is over and you can move frequently, it may be unsettling to go back to sleep.
There are different reasons as to why people have sleep paralysis. It may be due to lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns. It might also be genetic or from sleeping on your back.
Another reason would be narcolepsy, which is a sleeping condition that causes someone to fall asleep anytime. Sometimes, it just happens with no warning!
Types of Sleep Paralysis
But how does sleep paralysis even happen? There are two types of sleep paralysis:
- Hypnagogic
- Hypnopompic
It occurs before you wake up, with your body alternating between rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. You may have become aware and awake while the REM cycle occurs, which is why you are unable to speak or move while your body is relaxed.
Can You Die From Sleep Paralysis?
Now that you know what sleep paralysis is, the question is: Can you die from it? This is a very touchy subject that people are scared about, especially if they experience sleep paralysis regularly.
Only a Temporary Feeling
Fortunately, it's a huge NO! Sleep paralysis does NOT cause death. While the experience is terrifying, it isn't something you should worry about. Again, sleep paralysis is only a temporary feeling that lasts for a few minutes at the most.
What You CAN Die From
BUT with that being said, there IS a chance that sleep paralysis can be an indirect factor in the death. But that is another thing. Some people have experienced sudden death syndrome, which is called "bangungot" in the Philippines.
It isn't caused by sleep paralysis though, but some individuals who have escaped death have experienced the similar symptoms of it.
That can be explained. The sudden death from sleep is caused by asphyxiation, which is caused by sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia. It can also be due to underlying conditions such as pancreatitis or heart failure.
Nothing to Worry About
Enough about that, though. One thing is for sure: You won't need to worry about the fear of death.
Though you may experience hallucinations and it's a bit unsettling to sleep right after, that doesn't mean you won't be able to continue your sleep. Shake it off and don't let it get to you.
How Is Sleep Paralysis Treated?
Sleep paralysis is a sign that you aren't moving through the stages of sleep smoothly. It is RARELY something links to psychiatric problems.
While people have created stories about it, there is nothing to worry about. You just need to see a doctor if it occurs regularly and starts affecting your sleep.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose you with sleep paralysis by asking about your symptoms and health history. As well as your family's history with sleep disorders. They will then refer you to sleep specialists if further evaluation or studies are needed.
Calming Yourself Down
Unfortunately, there is no exact treatment, or medical doctors can prescribe. If you do have an attack of the sleep paralysis, there is nothing much you can do.
But to learn how to calm yourself right after it happens and ensure that you are fully awake and aware of your surroundings. If it is still early morning, it's best to follow breathing exercises and to go back to sleep.
Focusing on Body Movement
Realize that while sleep paralysis is scary, it is NOT dangerous or harmful. When you are experiencing sleep paralysis, focus more on body movement, trying to move small areas of your body (your toes, tongue, or fingers).
Then move on to focusing on moving the rest of your body. Focus on your breathing and think of happy thoughts and movement.
Keep a Sleep Journal
It's also best to keep a log of your sleep paralysis moments, especially if it occurs regularly. That way, you know when it occurs and may find a reason why it happens. It will also help when going to a doctor, as you have all the information they need.
This content is based on the personal experience and some authority sources, such as:
Sleep Paralysis and Folklore (2015)
Can Sleep Paralysis Cause Death in Uratex
Sleep Paralysis in WEBMD
Sleep Paralysis in NHS (2016)
Everything About Sleep Paralysis (2017)
Editor's Note
Tips on Avoiding Sleep Paralysis
Now that you're familiar with everything you need to know about sleep paralysis, I'm sure you wouldn't want it to happen to you! To help you out, here are some tips to follow:
- Create a Sleeping Schedule
- No Light or Phones
- Get Softer Pillows or mattresses
Invest in quality mattress and pillows, sleep with the lights off, and have a relaxing grime before bed.
Take note that while these are useful tips to help improve your sleep, they aren't exactly surefire ways to prevent sleep paralysis from ever happening. If it does happen, refer to the previous section and always remember to stay mindful of you and your surroundings
In Conclusion
Sleep paralysis is not something to joke about. While it may be a terrifying experience for some, it is fortunately treatable through various means. By knowing about sleep paralysis and how to deal with it, you won't need to worry about being in danger from this type of sleep disorder.
I hope that this article answers your question: "Can you die from sleep paralysis?" Now that you are well informed of what sleep paralysis is and how you can treat it try following these tips if you suffer from it today.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with sleep paralysis, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
My name is Layla Parker, the founder of ASleepyWolf.com. At this site, our team is going to bring you a lot of reliable and useful information about sleeping and everything related to it such as the therapies that improve your sleep, the ways of sleeping you should try, all the products you use every day that affects directly to your sleep, your health, and your life.
I regurly have sleep paralysis. I am constantly tired. I am 32 active working 6 days wk but do have low blood pressure I fed up of always needing to sleep. Wats wrong with me
Wt to do or is it dangerous if the episode of sleep paralysis last for above 4 or 5 min or more…
I experience sleep paralysis regularly several times a night and the only way that I am able to snap out of it is if my girlfriend or my kids hear me trying to say help then they come and touch or Shake me and then I’m able to move the rest of my body when they don’t hear me it will last 20 minutes I’ve had it even last an hour and when I do snap out of it I’m sopped in sweat and my heart will be beating really fast and eregular off Rhythm heartbeat. do you have any advice for me?
Mines exactly the same. My boyfriend and I have worked out a system for when he needs to shake me awake. I noticed that your breathing is really the only thing you can control during paralysis so I can force myself to start breathing very fast and heavy. That’s his signal that I need to be woken. Plus if you’re by yourself the aggressive breathing can sometimes help pull you out of it faster.
Hi Bailey,
Our pleasure to receive your feedback. I will note it to the following articles, they can be better because of you.
Thank you so much!
Layla.
I have sleep paralysis but I’m not sure if I have it regularly. for 3 days I’ve always slept at 6-7 am in the morning and wake up at 1-2 pm in the afternoon. I’m scared of hallucinating.during my sleep paralysis I’ve never experienced hallucinations. if I do but would i be able to see and what is the maximum min on how long it would last.