Are sleep apnea and paralysis linked together in any way? Sleep apnea is an illness in which your breathing is regularly interrupted while sleeping. On the other hand, sleep paralysis is an episode in which you become temporarily paralyzed during sleeping or upon waking up.
Sleep apnea may trigger sleep fragmentation and poor sleep quality, which increases the probability of having sleep paralysis. Furthermore, both sleep apnea and sleep paralysis have been linked to REM (rapid eye movement) abnormalities.
According to research, paralysis while sleeping may be an indicator of the most commonly seen form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea – Symptoms
Some of the most typical warning signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes in which you stop breathing while sleeping
- Gasping to catch a breath while sleeping
- Frequently waking up with a dry mouth
- Headaches in the morning
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Hypersomnia (excessive daytime drowsiness)
- Having trouble paying attention when awake
- Irritation
- Depression and anxiousness
- A problem in remembering stuff
- Accidents are more likely a result of impaired cognitive abilities.
Sleep Paralysis – Symptoms
- The sensation of being awake yet unable to move, talk, or open your eyes.
- There is an overwhelming feeling that someone is in your room.
- Feeling as if something is dragging you down
- An unexplainable feeling of terror
These sensations might linger for many minutes. Generally, sleep paralysis creates the sense that you are unable to move or some things are happening that are not. In a nutshell, it is a dreadful dream that is so vivid that it literally immobilizes you.
How Can Sleep Apnea Cause Sleep Paralysis?
Many of the factors that promote sleep apnea, including alcohol, coffee, and smoking, also contribute to sleep paralysis. Sleep disturbances are triggered by poor sleep hygiene, resulting in sleep loss.
This, in turn, increases sleep apnea probability, which in turn promotes sleep paralysis. Sleep deprivation causes problems, and the disorders worsen the stress. The good news is that understanding that sleep deficiency is the cause allows you to make changes.
Ways To Interrupt The Pattern of Sleep Disruptions
Exercise
Workout on a daily basis helps to burn off extra energy that might keep you awake at night. Try to exercise strenuously all through the day rather than at bedtime. Exercise near sleep may refuel the body and make you stay alert.
Establish a consistent workout schedule so that your body becomes accustomed to lowering energy levels as the evening approaches. A 15-minute brisk stroll that gets your heart pounding is enough to help you receive the exercise you need.
Apt Sleep Routine
Good sleep hygiene is sticking to the same bedtime practice every night. Erratic phases of sleep can confuse and exhaust your body at the wrong times.
Other than that, eating large meals right before bedtime can interfere with sleep and may contribute to sleep apnea and sleep paralysis episodes. Moreover, avoid using blue light gadgets near sleeping, that include TVs, cell phones, tablet computers, and laptops, which might cause your body to feel like it is daylight rather than nighttime.
Closing Note
You can contact Pasadena Oral Surgery for more information on the sleep apnea treatment we provide.