Sleep paralysis is often associated with
stress and emotional tension, which is valid. Although its exact causes are not yet fully understood, there is ample evidence that stress can
influence the risk of experiencing sleep paralysis.
One of the
critical mechanisms through which stress can impact sleep paralysis is by directly triggering episodes of this phenomenon. Essentially,
stress and emotional tension can lead to disruptions in the transition between
sleep and wakefulness phases, increasing the risk of sleep paralysis.
Individuals experiencing
chronic stress often suffer from sleep disorders, such as
insomnia. This, in turn, can affect the quality of sleep and
heighten the risk of sleep paralysis. Healthy sleep is crucial for maintaining a
balance between sleep and wakefulness phases.
As pointed out by psychologists, stress activates the
sympathetic nervous system, which subsequently leads to increased
muscle tension in people, and in the long run, heightened
physiological activity in the body. This can affect the proper transition between
sleep and wakefulness phases, increasing the risk of sleep paralysis.
It's also important not to forget that sleep paralysis is often accompanied by
feelings of fear, both during and after an episode. Stress can
exacerbate the fear associated with sleep paralysis, which can
deepen the negative effects of this phenomenon. Moreover, sleep paralysis can occur in individuals suffering from
mental disorders, including common conditions such as
depression or ADHD. Stress can be a triggering factor and even
worsen these disorders, further increasing the risk of sleep paralysis.