Sleep paralysis is a condition identified by a brief loss of muscle control known as atonia that happens just after falling asleep or waking up.
People with this condition think it's normal but it's a medical condition that can lead to serious consequences if not addressed.
During this episode, a person feels awake and is aware of this loss of muscle control but can not do anything about it because they are helpless.
People with this condition need a lot of attention and care from the people they live with.
Most people that have more recurrent or bothersome episodes develop negative thoughts about going to bed, reducing time allotted for sleep or provoking anxiety around bedtime that makes it harder to fall asleep.
These episodes are depressing and very traumatising to most victims, the thought of being awake but so lifeless and defenceless has made people with this condition feel ashamed of themselves.
People with sleep paralysis live in fear and wonder what will happen next.
However, improving sleeping hygiene can help in preventing sleep paralysis.
One can also seek therapy to reframe negative thoughts and emotions that prevent them from sleeping.
The government should create awareness of this condition and highlight the consequences.
The affected people in the society can be facilitated with free counselling and therapy from experts.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
