Sleep Paralysis among Professional Firefighters and a Possible Association with PTSD—Online Survey-Based Study

Sleep paralysis (SP) affects about 7.6% of the general population, and PTSD is a strong risk factor. In a study of 831 professional firefighters, the prevalence of SP was 8.7%. High probability of PTSD was found in 15.04% of participants, and those with PTSD had 1.86 times the odds of experiencing SP (95% CI: 1.04–3.33). Firefighters who had at least one SP episode scored higher on scales measuring PTSD symptoms, trait anxiety, and worry. The number of SP episodes correlated positively with symptom severity across these measures. The authors suggest further research is needed to understand SP's impact on firefighters' mental and physical health and to develop prevention methods.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) is estimated at approximately 7.6% of the world’s general population. One of the strongest factors in the onset of SP is PTSD, which is often found among professional firefighters. Our study aimed to assess in the professional firefighter population (n = 831) (1) the prevalence of SP, (2) the relationship between SP and PTSD and (3) the relationship between SP and other factors: the severity of the stress felt, individual tendency to feel anxious and worried and lifestyle variables. The incidence of SP in the study group was 8.7%. The high probability of PTSD was found in 15.04% of subjects and its presence was associated with 1.86 times the odds of developing SP [OR = 1.86 (95% CI: 1.04–3.33); p = 0.04]. Officers who experienced at least 1 SP during their lifetime had significantly higher results in the scales: PCL-5, STAI-T, PSWQ. The number of SP episodes was positively correlated with the severity of symptoms measured by the PCL-5, PSS-10, STAI and PSWQ questionnaires. Further research is needed to assess the importance of SP among the firefighter population in the context of mental and somatic health and to specify methods of preventing SP episodes.