Speaker
Description
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a parasomnia associated with REM sleep, marked by a temporary inability to move during the transition into or out of sleep, often accompanied by vivid and sometimes frightening hallucinations. While SP is a known symptom in narcolepsy, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals as isolated sleep paralysis (ISP), where it remains a distressing yet harmless experience. This study explored the occurrence and characteristics of SP throughout different stages of life within a representative sample of the Italian population, using a web-based survey. The Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire was utilized to examine the frequency, phenomenology, cognitive aspects, and emotional impact of SP episodes. Among the 210 respondents (64.4% women, 34.8% men; average age 44 ± 14.5 years), 26.2% (n = 55) reported experiencing at least one episode of SP. The most common physical symptoms aligned with REM-related muscle atonia and included speech paralysis, eye immobility, and tingling sensations. On the cognitive level, many reported sensing an external presence and fearing imminent death. Contrary to earlier findings, those affected by SP did not display significantly worse sleep quality, elevated stress levels, or greater trait anxiety. However, they did show higher levels of pre-sleep arousal, insomnia symptoms, disruptive nocturnal behaviors, and somatic hyper-awareness. Uniquely, this research also examined the role of interoception in SP, discovering that affected individuals reported heightened awareness and regulation of internal bodily states. These insights offer a new perspective on potential mechanisms underlying SP and open avenues for further investigation.
