Denis, Dan; French, Christopher C. and Gregory, Alice M.. 2018. A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 38, pp. 141-157. ISSN 1087-0792 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

Sleep paralysis is a relatively common but under-researched phenomenon. While the causes are unknown, a number of studies have investigated potential risk factors. In this article, we conducted a systematic review on the available literature regarding variables associated with both the frequency and intensity of sleep paralysis episodes. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. For each study, sample size, study site, sex and age of participants, sleep paralysis measure, and results of analyses looking at the relationship(s) between sleep paralysis and associated variable(s) were extracted. A large number of variables were associated with sleep paralysis and a number of themes emerged. These were: substance use, stress and trauma, genetic influences, physical illness, personality, intelligence, anomalous beliefs, sleep problems and disorders (both in terms of subjective sleep quality and objective sleep disruption), symptoms of psychiatric illness in non-clinical samples (particularly anxiety symptoms), and psychiatric disorders. Sleep paralysis appears to be particularly prevalent in post-traumatic stress disorder, and to a less degree, panic disorder. Limitations of the current literature, directions for future research, and implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005
Additional Information:	DD was supported by an Economic and Social Research Council Advanced Quantitative Methods PhD studentship (ES/J500215/1).
Keywords:	sleep paralysis, isolated sleep paralysis, parasomnia, REM sleep, sleep disruption, intruder, incubus, felt presence
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Psychology
Dates:	Date Event 31 May 2017 Accepted 8 June 2017 Published Online April 2018 Published
Item ID:	20520
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2017 15:59
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2021 09:45
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/20520

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