Does "sleep paralysis" really exist? Narcolepsy, check it out

This is the 1961th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

In recent years, with the popularity of tomb-robbing culture, the term "sleep paralysis" has gradually become popular. Does "sleep paralysis" really exist in the world? Does the experience of being unable to move one's limbs during sleep that appears in movies and TV dramas really exist? Today, let's learn about the relevant knowledge of narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a central sleep disorder. Patients often present with five typical symptoms: uncontrollable sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations and nocturnal sleep disturbances. Sleep paralysis is the so-called "sleep paralysis" phenomenon. Modern medical research shows that "sleep paralysis" does not exist, but is one of the symptoms of narcolepsy.

1. Causes of narcolepsy

The cause of narcolepsy is generally unknown, and it may be the result of the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. More than half of the patients have certain predisposing factors before the onset of the disease, such as emotional tension, excessive fatigue or excessive stress, etc., so if you are unfortunately diagnosed with this disease, it is very important to try to avoid the above predisposing factors. About 8%-10% of patients have a family history, and the probability of first-generation direct relatives suffering from the disease is 20-70 times that of ordinary people. This number is very alarming, which is what ordinary people often say "one disease affects the whole family."

2. Clinical manifestations of narcolepsy

The main symptoms include drowsiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations and nocturnal sleep disorders.

About one-third of patients have all the symptoms, which are more common in obese patients. Some patients also have anxiety and depression symptoms, and about 20% of patients have social phobia.

1. Excessive daytime sleepiness

All patients have excessive daytime sleepiness, which is usually irresistible, such as when walking, eating or talking. Family members often say that patients fall asleep while eating or chatting. It is more likely to occur when there is less environmental stimulation, such as reading, watching TV, driving, attending classes, and attending meetings. Patients often wake up after a short sleep, but they will start to feel sleepy again soon, so they are often misunderstood by classmates and colleagues.

2. Cataplexy

It is the characteristic manifestation of this disease. 60%-70% of patients may experience weakness or even cataplexy, which is common during strong emotional stimulation such as anger and laughter. Therefore, doctors often advise patients to keep their emotions stable and try to avoid drastic emotional changes such as extreme joy and sorrow.

3. Sleep paralysis

It usually occurs when falling asleep or waking up. It is usually a transient state of inability to move the whole body or speak when the patient wakes up from deep sleep. It can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. This is what ordinary people usually call "sleep paralysis". In fact, there are no ghosts in the world. It is all caused by diseases.

4. Sleep hallucinations

Hallucinations often occur during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Some patients can hear other people's voices even when they are alone in the room. Others can see non-existent hallucinations, and when startled, they are easily able to associate them with ghosts and gods.

5. Nighttime sleep disturbance

Patients wake up easily and have many dreams, have difficulty falling asleep again, have increased body movement at night, and often have difficulty getting up in the early morning due to sleepiness.

Treatment of narcolepsy

Having said so many symptoms, how can this disease be treated? Usually, patients should maintain regular and adequate sleep at night, and plan to take naps during the day, especially naps, to reduce sleepiness. Avoid choosing jobs such as driving, high-altitude and underwater operations. Child patients should communicate with teachers and parents in a timely manner, understand the children, and not put too much pressure on their studies.

In terms of drug treatment, methylphenidate hydrochloride and modafinil can be used for excessive daytime sleepiness, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine can be used for paroxysmal cataplexy, and new antidepressants include fluoxetine and paroxetine. Sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate is usually used to treat nighttime sleep disorders abroad, but there is no experience in China.

In any case, "sleep paralysis" definitely does not exist, and scientific diagnosis and treatment are the most powerful weapons to dispel the theory of ghosts and gods. Through this popular science article, I believe you can have a general understanding of narcolepsy.

Author: Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Jilin University

Man YuhongDeputy Chief Physician