What Causes Sleep Paralysis?

Leg Cramps At Night

Leg cramps occur at night when an individual is trying to go to sleep or when they have already entered the stages of sleep. These cramps are feelings of intense and serious pain in the lower leg or foot. This pain is caused when the muscles begin to contract and tighten without having the power to control the leg motions. The begins slow and can remain in the body for only several seconds, or it can last for several minutes. The number of leg cramps a patient can experience varies per person, with some only having to go through this once per year and others experiencing leg cramps every single night. Ways to relieve the pain include stretching the muscle experiencing the pain, massaging the muscle, applying a heated pad, or simply trying to move the muscle soothingly. These leg cramps at night can have nasty effects on an individual's sleep schedule. They can prevent individuals from falling asleep, the pain can disturb sleep, and the aftereffects of the pain can make it extremely difficult for individuals to fall back to sleep again. Additionally, sometimes lep cramps can make it difficult or impossible for an individual to move without excruciating pain for a few moments, which may result in sleep paralysis.

Get the details on the next cause of sleep paralysis now.

Changing Sleep Schedules

It's no secret a regularly changing sleep schedule will have a negative effect on the body. If individuals find themselves constantly changing their sleep schedule due to work, family commitments, or prior engagements, they need to understand the effects this can have on their body both physically and mentally. Studies have shown individuals who have changing sleep schedules have a greater risk for developing health disorders, such as higher levels of cholesterol, higher insulin levels, a higher body mass index, and larger waist size. An irregular sleep schedule will also be mentally exhausting. It will cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and can eventually lead to major sleep disorders, including sleep paralysis.

Get to know more causes of sleep paralysis now.