jabbrv-ltwa-all.ldf jabbrv-ltwa-en.ldf Characteristics of sleep paralysis (SP) and its association with PTSD, stress and other lifestyle variables among the population of Pakistan, a cross-sectional study.
Alishba Javaid, Rabi Jan, Afifa Khan, Kanza Farhan, Christian Tague, Aymar Akilimali
Authorea Preprints June 26, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.22541/au.175092850.09214312/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quantitative cross-sectional study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 412 |
| Population | People who completed an online questionnaire about sleep paralysis |
| Topics | PTSD |
| Key findings | The authors report that the frequency of sleep paralysis episodes was significantly associated with episode duration, time of occurrence, and body position, and with PTSD, stress, caffeine intake, and smoking. Among those who experienced sleep paralysis (48.1%), the most frequent symptom was being unable to move the body (44.7%). The authors suggest a relationship between sleep paralysis and lifestyle and psychological factors. |
Abstract
Backgrounds: : Sleep paralysis is a parasomnia disorder connected to being unable to move your body though the experiencing person remains conscious. Factors involving this disorder are: stress, PTSD, lifestyle factors including the amount of sleep, and the amount of caffeine consumed. Our study aim is to assess the symptoms, duration, time of occurrence and body position during SP episodes and frequency of SP episodes with these variables.
Methods: : 412 participants took part in this quantitative cross-sectional study. Data was collected through online questionnaire. Ethical consideration was taken into account.
Results: : A significant correlation with a p-value of 0.000 was discovered between the quantity of SP episodes and SP symptoms with unable to move your body is the most frequent 44.7% among people who experience SP (48.1%). Significant association was found between frequency of SP episodes with duration (few seconds 20.9%), time of occurrence (upon falling asleep 23.8% and body position during SP (on back 26.5%) having p value of 0.000, 0.000 and 0.000 respectively. A noteworthy correlation was discovered between the frequency of SP episodes and PTSD and stress having a p value of 0.009 and 0.009 respectively. Significant association was also found between frequency of SP episodes with caffeine intake (38.1%) and smoking (2.9%) having a p value of 0.000 and 0.000.
Conclusions: : This study suggests a relationship between sleep paralysis and lifestyle and psychological factors.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on PTSD, most cited first.
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