Studies show that women suffer from sleep disorders more than men. Many factors cause sleep disorders in women, and these range from hormonal imbalance, stress, and illness. Pregnant and menopausal women are no exception. A spike or drop in hormone levels during pregnancy or menopause can cause many sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep paralysis in women.
However, there’s no need to fret, all these conditions are treatable, and you’ve no reason not to look your best.
What is sleep, paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a state when you’re unable to move or speak. It occurs during sleep or when waking up, and this is usually in the transition between wakefulness and sleep. It’s somehow related to other sleep occurrences such as dreams, nightmares, and night terror. Sleep paralysis is harmless but frightening. It’s typically accompanied by a feeling of stain or a choking sensation. Episodes tend to disappear as you get older, but in some cases, they reappear all over again.
What causes sleep paralysis in women?
There are different stages of sleep, and these include the rapid eye movement sleep, which is also the REM sleep. Most dreams occur during this stage, and the body has its mechanisms to help avoid injuries. During this state, your body will disable the capability of your muscles, making you unable to move. Sleep paralysis happens when your body is unable to send signals to restore your muscle function.
Other sleep paralysis causes are;
Stress– Women who experience intense levels of stress are likely to endure episodes of sleep paralysis. Women experiencing severe stress levels should find ways to calm down before going to bed. Things like a warm bath, a body massage, reading a book, or listening to your favorite music are all excellent relaxation techniques that you can try out.
Medication– Women using new drugs are likely to experience episodes of sleep paralysis. In such a case, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor. People using medications for the management of ADHD also have a higher probability of experiencing sleep paralysis.
Drugs and alcohol– Women who drink alcohol are mare more likely to have episodes of sleep paralysis. The use of prescription drugs can also cause sleep paralysis. For instance, most menopausal women take some medications to help deal with migraines, hot flashes, and other discomforts that come with menopause. All these medications can affect the quality of sleep.
Other factors linked to sleep paralysis are; sleeping on you back, mental conditions like bipolar disorder, changing sleep schedules, other sleep problems like narcolepsy.
What is the relationship between sleep paralysis and pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your hormones fluctuate, and this may cause frequent dreams. Some may manifest as nightmares or fearful thoughts, and this can interrupt your sleep. Sleep deprivation in pregnancy also results from the many discomforts and body changes that come with pregnancy. Lack of sleep can trigger sleep paralysis, and it’s advisable to sleep at least 6-8 hours each day.If pregnant, dress in cute maternity dresses. Doing this will boost your confidence, lift your mood, and ease anxiety, making you likely to sleep more comfortably at night.
What should you do?
Sleep paralysis can be disturbing but is not harmful; it usually goes away after a short time. But, if you experience frequent sleep paralysis, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor, you may be suffering from other sleep-related conditions. He or she may also prescribe some medicines to help you sleep better, and eradicate sleep paralysis symptoms.
Final thoughts
Sleep paralysis in women is a regular occurrence. Although it may be disturbing, it won’t affect your body. It usually resolves after a short period, and you should relax to avoid complicating the issue. If you suffer recurrent episodes, speak to your doctor to ascertain whether you have other sleep disorders.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind