The use of Focused-Attention Meditation Combined with Muscle Relaxation (MR Therapy) in the treatment of Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP)- two case reports
Paulina Wróbel-knybel, Leszek Wołkowski, Hanna Karakuła-juchnowicz
Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy April 13, 2025 DOI: 10.12740/app/191453 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractRecurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) is a REM sleep parasomnia with few treatment options. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, the first-line treatment, has limited availability. Meditation-relaxation therapy (MR therapy) is a new option supported by preliminary studies. Two case reports describe MR therapy over an 8-week period. In patient 1, the number and severity of sleep paralysis episodes, as well as worry and stress related to RISP, reduced significantly. In patient 2, who also had an emotionally unstable personality and an eating disorder, RISP did not improve, but depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder decreased and cortisol levels normalized. MR therapy appears promising, though its effect may be limited when other psychiatric disorders coexist.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Patients with recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP); one with comorbid emotionally unstable personality and eating disorder |
| Intervention | Meditation-relaxation therapy (MR therapy) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention period |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Sleep paralysis Relaxation psychology Psychotherapist Anesthesia |
| Key finding | Meditation-relaxation therapy reduced sleep paralysis episodes and related distress in one patient but not in another with comorbid psychiatric disorders, though the second patient experienced improvements in depressive and PTSD symptoms. |
Abstract
Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) belongs to the parasomnias of the REM sleep. Currently, there are few treatment options for this disorder. Pharmacotherapy is reserved only for the most severe cases of RISP. The first-line treatment is cognitive-behavioural therapy, the availability of which is limited. A new treatment option is meditation-relaxation therapy (MR therapy), the effectiveness of which is supported by preliminary studies. Method: This article describes two case reports of the use of a new treatment technique for RISP, MR therapy, over an 8-week period. Results: In patient 1, there was a significant improvement in the form of a reduction in the number and severity of episodes of sleep paralysis, as well as worry and stress related to RISP. In patient 2, who was simultaneously diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality and an eating disorder, there was no improvement in RISP, though a significant decrease in the severity of depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder and normalisation of cortisol levels were observed. Conclusions: MR therapy appears to be a promising form of treatment. Both patients benefited from its use, although the effect may be limited if other psychiatric disorders coexist.