What causes sleep paralysis during daytime naps, and what should be done about it?
Jan 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Sleep paralysis occurring during daytime naps may be caused by various factors including genetics, high levels of mental stress, sleep deprivation, narcolepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, it is advisable to consume foods rich in protein, multiple vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients to supplement the body's energy needs and help maintain overall health.
Under normal circumstances, experiencing sleep paralysis immediately upon falling asleep during the day may be caused by factors such as genetics, high levels of mental stress, sleep deprivation, narcolepsy, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetics
Sleep cycles are regulated by a series of complex biochemical processes and neural regulatory mechanisms. Genetic factors may influence certain genes involved in these processes, thereby affecting sleep stability and leading to episodes of sleep paralysis when napping during the day. This is considered a physiological phenomenon and typically does not require specific treatment if no other discomfort is present.
2. High Mental Stress
Prolonged feelings of anxiety, tension, or high mental stress can trigger the body to release large amounts of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones cause physiological responses including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and rapid breathing, which negatively affect sleep quality and may lead to sleep paralysis. Relief can be achieved through relaxation techniques, listening to music, or engaging in outdoor activities.
3. Sleep Deprivation
When individuals are sleep-deprived, the brain does not receive sufficient rest and recovery, resulting in impaired brain function. This may manifest as difficulty concentrating, slowed reaction times, and disordered thinking. Additionally, lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, causing abnormal nervous system excitability that may trigger sleep paralysis. Therefore, experiencing sleep paralysis upon daytime napping could be due to insufficient sleep, which can be alleviated by ensuring adequate sleep duration.
4. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder. Individuals with narcolepsy have defects in their central nervous system's regulation of sleep-wake cycles, which may cause disruptions during transitions between wakefulness and sleep, resulting in sleep paralysis. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as modafinil capsules, methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, or Suian capsules.
5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
This is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway during sleep, leading to episodes of apnea (cessation of breathing) and hypopnea (reduced breathing). It is usually caused by relaxation of soft tissues or anatomical abnormalities in the nasal passages, oral cavity, or throat. If patients with obstructive sleep apnea remain in a state of chronic hypoxia during sleep, their arousal response may be suppressed, preventing them from waking up and potentially causing symptoms of sleep paralysis. Medications such as aminophylline tablets, trazodone hydrochloride tablets, or medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets may be used as directed by a physician.
In daily life, it is recommended to consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients—such as eggs, lean meat, tomatoes, and apples—to replenish energy and support overall health.
