Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is defined as a brief loss of voluntary muscle control with an inability to move or speak which occurs at the onset of sleep (referred to as ‘hypnagogic’) or upon awakening during the night or in the morning (hypopompic). Sleep paralysis is present in approximately 20 – 50 % of all narcoleptic patients. The mean onset of sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations is approximately two to seven years later than that of sleepiness.
Unlike cataplexy, sleep paralysis is not triggered by strong emotions or feelings, although the patient’s awareness is intact during the event as with cataplexy. This symptom is particularly bothersome in narcoleptic patients, especially as it can occur along with frightening hallucinations.
Sleep paralysis usually lasts for a few seconds, and usually does not last very long, although in rare instances, it can last several minutes. Such episodes can be terminated or interrupted by noise or other external stimuli.
Unlike cataplexy, sleep paralysis is not triggered by strong emotions or feelings, although the patient’s awareness is intact during the event as with cataplexy. This symptom is particularly bothersome in narcoleptic patients, especially as it can occur along with frightening hallucinations.
Sleep paralysis usually lasts for a few seconds, and usually does not last very long, although in rare instances, it can last several minutes. Such episodes can be terminated or interrupted by noise or other external stimuli.
References
Ahmed I, Thorpy M. Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy. Clin Chest Med 2010; 31: 371 – 381
Nishino S. Clinical and neurobiological aspects of narcolepsy. Sleep Medicine 2007; 2: 373 – 399
Dauvilliers Y., Arnulf I, Mignot E. Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. Lancet (Seminar) 2007; 369: 499 – 511
Images:
http://bouldersleeptherapy.com/disorders/narcolepsy.php/
autoimmunediseasesa2z.com
www3.unil.ch
Nishino S. Clinical and neurobiological aspects of narcolepsy. Sleep Medicine 2007; 2: 373 – 399
Dauvilliers Y., Arnulf I, Mignot E. Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. Lancet (Seminar) 2007; 369: 499 – 511
Images:
http://bouldersleeptherapy.com/disorders/narcolepsy.php/
autoimmunediseasesa2z.com
www3.unil.ch