Sleep Paralysis Causes, Risk Factors, and Associated Health Outcomes: A Review & Synthesis
Zuzanna Smoszna, Monica Kullar preprint
Sleep paralysis is a relatively common sleep disorder whose underlying factors remain poorly understood. This review examines risk factors, measurement methods, and health outcomes associated with the condition. A wide range of variables appear related to sleep paralysis, including body position, sleep hygiene, sex, ethnicity, culture, existing psychological and sleep disorders, and early life trauma. The condition seems most prevalent among individuals already experiencing a mental or sleep disorder. The review discusses limitations and future research directions.