No Need to Fear the Mystical: An Explanation from an IPB University Neurologist About “Sleep Paralysis”
The phenomenon of “sleep paralysis” is often perceived as a mystical or supernatural experience. However, in the medical field, this condition is known as sleep paralysis and has a clear scientific explanation. This was explained by dr Yeni Quinta Mondiani, SpN, a neurologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, IPB University.
dr Yeni explained that sleep is a recurring physiological process characterized by a reversible decrease in consciousness. “When someone sleeps, they experience a global decrease in cognitive function, so the brain cannot fully respond to external stimuli,” she said.
She revealed that the human sleep cycle is divided into five phases: four Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) phases and one Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase. These five cycles can repeat multiple times within a single sleep cycle.
“Phases 3 and 4 of NREM are considered the deepest stages of sleep. These phases serve to restore the body’s freshness and condition after activity,” she explained.
Furthermore, she explained that these phases have a high physiological threshold for waking up and are also often associated with various sleep disorders such as sleepwalking and sleep terrors,” she added.
Meanwhile, the REM phase is the phase when dreams can be remembered. “During the REM phase, there is a very strong inhibition of motor signals (for movement). Only minimal movement occurs during the REM phase,” she added.
Understanding Sleep Paralysis
According to dr Yeni, sleep paralysis or sleep paralysis is classified as a type of sleep disorder known as parasomnia. “Parasomnia is a condition characterized by waking up during sleep, either at the beginning of sleep or during sleep, without altering the quality or quantity of sleep,” she explained.
She defined sleep paralysis as the inability to move the body at the beginning or end of sleep, even though consciousness has returned. “Sleep paralysis itself is the inability to move at the beginning or end of sleep, while the subject is already awake,” she said.
This disorder occurs during the REM phase, when muscles should be unable to move while the subject is asleep. “In simple terms, during sleep paralysis, our body is still in sleep mode, but our brain is already active,” dr Yeni explained using an analogy.
Causes and Symptoms
dr Yeni explained that sleep paralysis typically first appears between the ages of 15 and 35. This condition can occur sporadically and is triggered by lack of sleep, stress, anxiety disorders, genetic factors, and medical conditions such as narcolepsy.
“Most subjects fall asleep in a supine position and cannot move, even though breathing and heart function remain normal. Each episode typically lasts a few seconds to minutes,” she said.
During the episode, the individual remains aware of their surroundings, often leading to feelings of fear, though some may feel extremely relaxed.
She added that other symptoms may include hallucinations, especially if the cause is narcolepsy. “This can cause fear in the individual. The episode may end spontaneously,” she noted.
Management and Prevention
The primary management, according to dr Yeni, is to improve lifestyle. This involves improving sleep patterns and practicing sleep hygiene, such as setting consistent bedtime and wake-up times, limiting caffeine intake, and avoiding fatty and fast foods.
“Another step is to engage in light exercise and manage electronic devices around us,” she suggested.
If symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities, she recommends consulting a doctor. “It is necessary to seek treatment from a specialist for antidepressant medication and management of underlying conditions such as narcolepsy,” she concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/LAN)
