Recurrent fearful isolated sleep paralysis - A distressing co-morbid condition of obstructive sleep apnea.
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care March 1, 2023 Amrit Sharma, Sateesh Sakhamuri, Stanley Giddings
A 52-year-old Indo-Caribbean man with obstructive sleep apnea experienced recurrent fearful isolated sleep paralysis. Recurrent sleep paralysis is often under-reported but can cause significant distress, including bedtime anxiety, bedroom avoidance, and poor sleep quality, leading to a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation. In this case, the patient's sleep paralysis was cured by continuous positive airway pressure treatment for his obstructive sleep apnea. The authors aim to raise awareness so patients seek help and researchers can better understand the condition.