What causes sleep paralysis during REM sleep? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What causes sleep paralysis during REM sleep?

Asked by Nickgarf, Last updated: Apr 10, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

5 Answers

E.Evelyn

E.Evelyn

E.Evelyn
E.Evelyn

Answered Jan 16, 2020

The correct answer to this question is the components of the brain. There are certain elements in the brain that causes sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis has been studied for years, and some experts attribute the condition to the receptor ionotropic GABAA/glycine. This is not just the only reason for the cause of the condition. Another cause can be anxiety.

If a person is anxious about anything, this can carry into when they fall asleep. Along with anxiety, stress is another reason why sleep paralysis can occur because stress prevents the brain from reaching a complete sleep. Nerves can also go along with a reason for this condition.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Denton Perez

Denton Perez

love to pen down the thought on diverse topics.

Denton Perez
Denton Perez, Professor, High School, Utah

Answered Jan 08, 2020

According to research on The Journal of Neuroscience, there are two powerful brain chemical systems that help to paralyze skeletal muscles of the body during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine are responsible for REM sleep paralysis Sleep paralysis is defined as the inability to move for a few minutes upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis occurs due to irregularities in the transition between stages of sleep and wakefulness. Sleep paralysis often occurs when moving in or out of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During this stage of sleep, normally, the brain paralyzes the muscles of the body so that they do not physically act out your vivid dreams.
upvote downvote
Reply 

R. Tanner

R. Tanner

R. Tanner
R. Tanner

Answered Jan 02, 2020

Sleep paralysis may be the cause of another health condition, such as narcolepsy. It is not common for people to experience sleep paralysis when they are in a deep sleep, which is when REM occurs. This can happen to both men and women, but those who experience this are usually teenagers up to young adults.

There are instances when people may be in a deep sleep, but they will be forced to awaken because of different circumstances. The body may find it hard to adjust to the sudden change, which can make sleep paralysis more possible. During sleep paralysis, a person will be unable to move for a few seconds up to a few minutes.

upvote downvote
Reply 

K. Galatia

K. Galatia

K. Galatia
K. Galatia

Answered Dec 24, 2019

If sleep overlaps with the REM cycle, paralysis could occur. If there are vivid hallucinations while dreaming, it could also cause paralysis. The obvious culprit is an intersect between the REM (rapid eye movement, dreaming) part of sleep, and the subsequent step of sleep where you start to awaken. The motion neurons are turned off, causing paralysis. Your breathing shifts and the body can no longer regulate its temperature, and REM sleep is notorious for perpetuating lucid and colorful dreams.

Muscle paralysis is the portion of what keeps us protected and not acting out dreams as they are happening. During REM, it is not uncommon to briefly wake up and fall back asleep with little or no memory of it occurring. A possible cause of sleep paralysis is the onset of REM sleep and the process of waking up. Also, people who have sleep paralysis have shorter REM sleep latency.

upvote downvote
Reply 

E. James

E. James

E. James
E. James

Answered Dec 19, 2019

The reason why sleep paralysis may occur during REM is because of some of the components in the brain. There are some experts who have already suggested that the appearance of ionotropic GABAA/glycine receptors will be one of the reasons why sleep paralysis may occur. There are still other possible reasons why this may happen.

Usually, those who wake up from REM to sleep paralysis become highly anxious because of the details that are still in the dream that they are somewhat experiencing as they are starting to wake up. It can be enough to make people feel nervous about sleeping. Some may get sleep paralysis more often than others.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.