PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SLEEP PARALYSIS AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS IN KADUNA METROPOLIS, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Sleep paralysis (SP) is a paralytic episode that occurs during sleep–wake transitions and is characterized by an inability to move or speak while conscious. Although SP is reported globally across diverse populations, its prevalence and associated factors remain under-researched. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of SP among tertiary students. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 610 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize frequency and percentage data across key domains, including the incidence of SP episodes over the study period, psychological stress, environmental conditions, lifestyle behaviors, sleep duration and sleep position at the time of episodes. The majority of respondents reported multiple SP episodes, with 43.0% experiencing two episodes and 66.6% reporting at least one episode during the study period. The most frequently reported SP symptom was the inability to speak. High levels of academic stress (68.8%) and indicators of poor sleep quality—such as sleeping less than six hours (44.3%) and irregular sleep schedules (15.6%)—were prevalent. Lifestyle factors, including caffeine consumption and family or relationship stress, were also common. Most episodes occurred in the supine (back) position. The findings highlight that SP is common among young adults and associated with psychological stress, irregular sleep patterns, environmental factors, and lifestyle behaviors. These results are consistent with systematic reviews indicating that SP frequency and intensity are linked to stress, sleep disruption, and psychosocial variables. Future research using longitudinal and objective sleep measures is warranted to clarify causal pathways and inform evidence-based interventions.