What Causes Sleep Paralysis? Ways to Prevent it Before Bed

Most sleep researchers agree that sleep paralysis is simply an indication your body isn’t able to switch through the different stages of sleep efficiently. During sleep paralysis, you can feel unable to move, speak, or in more challenging cases, like you are being pushed down. If you’re feeling an overwhelming sense of fear in relation to your sleep paralysis, or you’re simply not sure how you’re going to be able to move through this, don’t fear – with the right tools and routine, this sleep disorder can be managed. From finding a foam mattress that’s going to make you look forward to sleep to building a sleep routine that calms you down, here are some top tips for moving through it properly –

Symptoms & Causes Of Sleep Paralysis

While feeling paralyzed might be an obvious symptom to look out for, sleep paralysis can also present itself in the form of sweating, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, headaches, and paranoia.

So what exactly causes sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis occurs when the brain is active, but the body is still in sleep mode. It has been linked to several other conditions, including insomnia, general anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

Using a Foam Mattress for Better Sleep

One of the key ways you can improve your sleep is by getting the most comfortable mattress you can to make rest more inviting. The trick is to build a comfortable enough environment for proper, uninterrupted rest.

Foam mattresses are some of the best options for those who struggle to get comfortable through the night. This is because the unique feel of foam mattresses ensures that you’re able to stay comfortable while being supported through the night.

If you’re feeling cozy and safe in your space, there’s a reduced risk of experiencing sleep paralysis halfway through the night. The right foam mattress can assist with this.

Other Sleep Accessories For Better Rest

If you don’t really want to buy a whole new foam mattress for the chance of better sleep, there are other ways you can achieve similar levels of comfort. This includes the use of a weighted blanket, which has been found to be especially useful to those who struggle with sleep anxiety.

Weighted blankets work by distributing an even amount of pressure throughout the body, in order to restore back a sense of balance and calm through the night. Weighted blankets work by mimicking the feelings associated with being embraced or swaddled, and improving your rest in this manner.

Build a Sleep Routine That Puts You at Ease

One of the most important ways you can ensure you’re doing everything you can to avoid sleep paralysis is by building healthy sleep hygiene practices early into your evening. Taking a warm shower, drinking soothing herbal tea, and reading right before you go to bed can all help put your mind at ease before you need to go to sleep.

Having an erratic sleep routine confuses your body by depriving it of any sense of cues or routine, which can contribute to further interrupted sleep. Be sure to stick to what works for you – think of practices you personally find calming to really help consolidate your rest.

From ensuring you have the best mattress possible to keep your sleep routine personalized to you, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure you’re sleeping better through the night. If your symptoms of sleep paralysis persist regardless of this, don’t fret-talk to a physician and see what your next steps look like. You’ll be sleeping better in no time.