What Can You Do About Snoring? Our Tips
What can you do about snoring? It’s a question many people struggle with. Since the causes of snoring vary, we’re happy to explain more—and share our tips.
What Is Sleep Paralysis and What Are the Symptoms?
You wake up, but you can’t move. As if that isn’t frightening enough, you feel pressure on your chest, hear strange sounds, and see things that aren’t there. It may sound like a nightmare, but when it comes to sleep paralysis, this is very much reality. We explain everything about this phenomenon and answer four key questions: What exactly is sleep paralysis? What are the symptoms? Is sleep paralysis dangerous? And can you prevent it?
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
So, what is sleep paralysis? During sleep paralysis, something goes wrong in the transition between falling asleep and waking up—or the other way around. Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? Then it may be reassuring to know you’re certainly not alone: about one in four people experience it at some point. It can be quite an unpleasant experience, which is why it’s helpful to understand what sleep paralysis actually is.
To do that, it’s important to first understand your sleep cycle. When you sleep, you move through several sleep stages: the drowsy stage, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. You go through these stages, in the same order, several times a night. During REM sleep, your brain is just as active as it is during the day. This is also the stage in which you dream. The main difference between REM sleep and being awake is that your body is completely relaxed. Muscle paralysis during this phase is therefore entirely normal.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis?
Now that you know what sleep paralysis is and how it occurs, it’s useful to understand the specific symptoms. These can help you recognize whether you are—or have been—experiencing sleep paralysis:
You are conscious, but unable to move.
You feel pressure on your chest.
You experience hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
Is Sleep Paralysis Dangerous?
Sleep paralysis can certainly feel like a nightmare, so it’s natural to wonder: is sleep paralysis dangerous? If you experience it only occasionally, there is usually no cause for concern. Because not all muscles are paralyzed, you can still breathe normally, and there is no risk of suffocation. In most cases, sleep paralysis passes on its own within a few minutes. If you experience sleep paralysis more frequently, it may be helpful to follow the tips below.
Can You Prevent Sleep Paralysis?
Although sleep paralysis isn’t dangerous, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to prevent it. So what can you do? The right approach depends largely on the underlying causes. Sleep paralysis has been linked to stress and anxiety, so addressing psychological issues may be advisable in some cases.
In addition, there are several general tips that can help promote a good night’s sleep and reduce the risk of sleep paralysis:
Get enough physical activity during the day.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially before bedtime.
Maintain a consistent sleep routine with fixed bedtimes.
Avoid blue light from your computer, TV, and phone before going to sleep.
Sleep in a quiet, dark, and cool room.
Do you still experience sleep paralysis from time to time? Even in the moment itself, there are things you can try. Slowly attempt to move your fingers or toes, or move your eyes quickly. If you experience sleep paralysis frequently, it’s advisable to consult your general practitioner or explore sleep therapy options.
Sources: Quest, Kempenhaeghe, Gezondheid en Wetenschap
A World Where Everyone Sleeps Better
We dream of a world where everyone sleeps better. We make this a reality by creating sustainable bedding and bath textiles of the highest quality. We offer luxurious, soft bedding that helps guide you toward a wonderful night’s sleep. But we also love to inform you—about topics such as what sleep paralysis is.
Would you like to stay up to date? Enter your email address and receive the Yumeko newsletter with special offers and discounts, interesting insights, and new products. For even more updates, follow us on Instagram!
Meer blogs
What Is Silk and What Are Sustainable, Animal-Friendly Alternatives?
Silk has been valued for centuries because of its luxurious appearance and silky-soft feel. But what exactly is silk? We’d love to tell you more about this unique—yet not animal-friendly—material. Because what is silk made from, what is the difference between silk and satin, and what are animal-friendly alternatives? We’ll also answer other important questions, such as: should you choose a satin or silk pillowcase? And what is mulberry silk?
What Is TENCEL™ Fabric?
Read everything about the unique material TENCEL™. We answer questions like “what is TENCEL™ fabric?” and “what is TENCEL™ made from?”
