Imagine waking up — only to find that your body is completely frozen. You are unable to move, speak, or go back to sleep. In the moment of feeling like you have lost control, you might wonder: can you die from sleep paralysis?
No matter how terrifying this experience is, it’s not as threatening as it feels. You might encounter sleep demons, but they cannot take away your life. In short, sleep paralysis cannot kill you. Seeing out therapy and adequate treatments can help you deal with the condition.
What is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis usually occurs when you’re about to fall asleep or wake up. The person experiencing it is stuck between wakefulness and dreaming. Therefore, you are semi-conscious with no control over your limbs. This can cause a haunting experience as you are somewhat awake, yet you can’t move your body or speak.
During an episode of sleep paralysis, hallucinations are pretty common. Hence, you might have vivid hallucinations, which lead to intense fear and anxiety. Paralyzed body and semi-wakefulness coupled with waking hallucination give this sleep disorder another name, as many people refer to it as ‘the demon of the bedroom’ Many individuals even recall encountering terrifying sleep paralysis demons.
Can Sleep Paralysis Cause Death?
Although it can cause a nightmarish experience, it’s just that: hallucinations. In reality, sleep paralysis is not a fatal condition, as many might assume. It can, however, affect your mental health. Still, it’s not a threat to your physical health.
It might feel like the end when you are frozen, and nightmarish hallucinations are haunting you. Furthermore, most individuals associate it with the feeling of waking up dead. Keep in mind, though, that having severe heart conditions might make sleep paralysis risky for your health.
Causes Of Sleep Paralysis
Although the cause of sleep paralysis is unclear, there’s a lot of debate on what it could be. Studies say that the disturbed REM cycle is the main culprit behind this sleep disorder. Your sleep occurs in layers, and when you switch from deep sleep to light sleep, you shift to a period of REM sleep. During this period, your brain temporarily prevents your body from acting out dreams. To do so, the brain locks your body. However, sometimes, the brain ends up waking up before your body. Consequently, you’re left in the haunting, weird state known as sleep paralysis. This condition is also linked with the following:
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- High levels of stress
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Jet lag
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Poor mental health
- Sleep Deprivation
- Genetic Predisposition
Get the Treatment for Your Sleep Disorders
Sleep paralysis death is not something that occurs. Even though it can be a haunting experience with hallucinations, sleep paralysis will not kill you. Still, it might affect your mental health and pose risks if you suffer from a heart condition. Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness has the answers to all your sleep disorders and headache issues. Drop by our office at 17146 N Eldridge Pkwy Suite G, Tomball, TX 77377, United States. You can also dial (832) 952-1199 to schedule an appointment.