How do you cope with sleep paralysis?
Answers
Unfortunately, the majority of sleep paralysis prevention and coping techniques are anecdotal. Nevertheless, some methods seem to have been often validated by many people who claim that they work for them.
• Try not to fall asleep on your back. Sleep paralysis is associated with lying on one’s back, so avoiding it is advisable.
• You should ensure that your sleep is not disrupted regularly, as waking up during your sleep has been identified as a potential risk factor.
• Avoid the overuse of stimulants, such as tobacco and alcohol. Coffee has not been viewed negatively in this context.
• Meditating and muscle relaxation techniques may help you cope better with the experience.
• Persisting to move your fingers or toes during sleep paralysis also appears to help disrupt the experience.
Finally, suppose you regularly experience sleep paralysis, and you think that this may be linked to other experiences of tension in your day-to-day life. In that case, it may be time to consider cognitive behavioural therapy.