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Sleep Paraylsis Remedies

Sleep paralysis, a condition in which a person experiences an inability to make voluntary movements when falling asleep or awakening, is a type of sleep disorder called a parasomnia. Sleep paralysis is often coupled with narcolepsy, but not exclusively so. Like all parasomnias, sleep paralysis involves abnormal behavior while sleeping. Reasons for sleep paralysis are not certain, but it may be associated with problems that occur during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycle of sleep, according to the Stanford University Sleep and Dreams website. Treatments for sleep paralysis can vary from lifestyle changes to prescription medication.

  1. Sleep Hygiene Remedies

    • In cases where the sleep paralysis occurs for a limited time and does not happen with regularity, home remedies are often the method used first. Improved sleep hygiene may be an effective remedy. Proper methods require 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night minimum, stress reduction where possible, sufficient exercise, prescribed dietary changes, and consistent bedtimes.

    Anti-Depressant Medications

    • For sleep paralysis problems that are persistent, occurring at least one time each week for a period of six months or more, prescription anti-depressant medication may be used as a remedy. Anti-depressants may be used only after lifestyle change remedies have proven ineffective, or may be used in conjunction with improved sleep hygiene. Anti-depressants used to treat sleep paralysis are frequently those in the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs, SNRIs) categories. These medications are effective in the suppression of REM sleep. Anti-depressants in this category include Prozac, Sarafem, Strattera, and Effexor.

    Stimulant Medications

    • In cases where sleep paralysis occurs along with narcolepsy, prescription stimulant medication may be used as a remedy. Because narcolepsy causes random episodes of uncontrollable sleep, stimulant medications such as Provigil, Ritalin, or Concerta can cure the primary condition of narcolepsy, as well as the sleep paralysis condition.

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