Breakthrough In The Treatment Of Sleep-Paralysis: Meditation-Relaxation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Wajiha Shaikh, Aariz Hussain, Shafaq Taseen preprint
Sleep paralysis occurs when individuals wake during REM sleep and experience temporary muscle paralysis, often accompanied by fear and hallucinations. About 7.6% of the population experiences sleep paralysis at least once, but the prevalence of isolated sleep paralysis remains unclear due to research challenges and stigma. Non-pharmacological treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Meditation-Relaxation therapy show promise in managing episodes. A pilot study of Meditation-Relaxation therapy in narcolepsy patients found a significant reduction in sleep paralysis episodes. More research on Meditation-Relaxation therapy for isolated sleep paralysis is needed, and public education is essential to reduce stigma and encourage affected individuals to seek care.