What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP)
• RISP (Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis)
• Sleep Parasomnia

What is Isolated Sleep Paralysis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Isolated Sleep Paralysis occurs when the body remains temporarily paralyzed, yet conscious, shortly after waking up or before falling asleep. It is associated with a sleep disorder. The condition is most common among teenagers and young adults
• During the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle of sleep, our bodies are seemingly paralyzed. Dreams occur at this stage of sleep and the paralysis is thought to inhibit us from acting them out
• The body creates hormones necessary to help remain asleep. When these hormones do not wear off, as we wake up from REM sleep, conscious paralysis can be experienced. Sleep paralysis may indicate other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. However, many individuals experience Isolated Sleep Paralysis without the presence of narcolepsy
• The common causes of Isolated Sleep Paralysis include poor or irregular sleeping habits, a lack of sleep, drug abuse, or having other sleep disorders
• The signs and symptoms of Isolated Sleep Paralysis may include choking sensation, feeling immobilized for a few seconds, hallucinations, and being unable to speak for a short period of time
• The condition typically does not require treatment. But, if symptoms persist or cause disruption of one’s daily life and activity, certain sleep tests may be done to explore an underlying cause
• Improving sleep habits can drastically help individuals experiencing Isolated Sleep Paralysis. The condition may however recur, but the associated prognosis is generally good

Who gets Isolated Sleep Paralysis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Isolated Sleep Paralysis most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. It has been observed that the incidence of a sleep paralysis is around 4 in 10
• The condition affects men and women equally
• It is observed worldwide; there is no racial or ethnic predilection noted

What are the Risk Factors for Isolated Sleep Paralysis? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Isolated Sleep Paralysis may include:

• Family history of sleep disorders
• Irregular sleeping habits
• Sleep deprivation
• Substance abuse
• Being a young adult or teenager
• Having an anxiety disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Isolated Sleep Paralysis? (Etiology)

Isolated Sleep Paralysis is caused by:

• Irregular sleep-wake patterns
• Sleep deprivation
• Substance or drug abuse
• Anxiety disorder
• Other sleep disorders or conditions such as narcolepsy

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Isolated Sleep Paralysis?

Signs and symptoms of Isolated Sleep Paralysis include:

• Inability to move for a few seconds
• Feeling of choking
• Hallucinations
• Inability to speak for up to a few seconds
• Sensation of pressure
• Anxiety caused by symptoms
• Tiredness due to lack of sleep

How is Isolated Sleep Paralysis Diagnosed?

Following are the diagnostic procedures for Isolated Sleep Paralysis:

• A complete physical examination with comprehensive medical history, including information about family history of sleep disorders
• Elimination of other causes with similar signs and symptoms
• If the symptoms persist or cause disruption of one’s daily life, certain sleep tests may be undertaken to explore an underlying cause
• Sleep studies, keeping a sleep log to record sleeping habits (sleep diary)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Isolated Sleep Paralysis?

Complications are not generally caused with Isolated Sleep Paralysis. Some potential complications may include:

• Chronic fatigue due to lack of sleep
• Nightmares
• Recurrence of the condition, which is termed as Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP)

How is Isolated Sleep Paralysis Treated?

In normal cases, Isolated Sleep Paralysis is not such a serious health condition necessitating treatment. Most individuals do not require any treatment at all.

• If symptoms of the condition are creating some serious difficulties, then anti-depressant medication may be prescribed (such as clomipramine). However, there may be certain side-effects to these medications that include:
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Drowsiness
• If an underlying cause such as narcolepsy is suspected, treatment may include:
  • Narcoleptic medications
  • Taking frequent naps
  • Consistently getting 8 hours of sleep each night
• Avoiding stressful situations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help improve one’s sleep as well

How can Isolated Sleep Paralysis be Prevented?

Improving sleep habits can drastically help avoid experiencing Isolated Sleep Paralysis. The strategies to pursue may include:

• Reducing caffeine intake
• Sleep setting should be as comfortable as possible
• Regular exercise
• Refrain from smoking
• Relieving stress before sleep

What is the Prognosis of Isolated Sleep Paralysis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Isolated Sleep Paralysis may recur, however the associated prognosis is very good.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Isolated Sleep Paralysis:

Sleep apnea is a cessation (stoppage) or near cessation of respiratory airflow lasting 10 seconds or longer during sleep. The term apnea indicates a pause in breathing

The following article link will help you understand sleep apnea:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/