Posted on 9/11/2023 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery
Sleep apnea and sleep paralysis may not have much in common. Nevertheless, a fascinating and intricate connection between these illnesses emphasizes the complexity of the human sleep cycle. Studying this connection can help you gain important insights into the difficulties people with these conditions encounter.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is described by halts in breathing when a person is asleep. The upper airway breaking down could reduce the body's oxygen levels causing breathing halt. The two most common forms of sleep apnea are central and obstructive sleep apnea. Central occurs when the brain cannot effectively communicate with the breathing muscles, and obstructive is caused by a physical obstruction of the respiratory tract.
Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a short immobility that can happen whether someone falls asleep or wakes up. Since this disease typically accompanies severe hallucinations and a feeling of tightness in the chest, it hurts individuals who experience it. Even though sleep paralysis typically only lasts a few seconds to a few minutes, it can still be rather unpleasant.
The Relation
Both diseases can affect REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phases and interrupt sleep patterns, sleep apnea and sleep paralysis are related. A person with sleep apnea frequently wakes up because their breathing stops, this condition often causes uneven sleep. The brain cuts off communication with the body's motor mechanisms during REM sleep to prevent our bodies from acting out our dreams.
The person is briefly immobile in sleep paralysis because the brain and body remain divided even after waking up. The complex link between sleep apnea and sleep paralysis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to treating sleep disorders.
Our experienced dental team will collaborate to create efficient management plans for each condition while enhancing sleep quality and general well-being by comprehending how these conditions interact.