Rauf, Betul; Sharpless, Brian A.; Denis, Dan; Perach, Rotem; Madrid-Valero, J.J.; French, Christopher C. and Gregory, Alice M.. 2023. Isolated Sleep Paralysis: Clinical Features, Perception of Aetiology, Prevention and Disruption Strategies in a Large International Sample. Sleep Medicine, 104, pp. 105-112. ISSN 1389-9457 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

Study objectives: Isolated sleep paralysis is a benign but frightening condition characterised by a temporary inability to move at sleep onset or upon awakening. Despite the prevalence of this condition, little is known concerning its clinical features, associated demographic characteristics, and prevention as well as disruption strategies.

Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 3523 participants who had reported at least one lifetime episode of ISP and 3288 participants without a lifetime episode. Participants answered a survey involving questions about sleep quality, sleep paralysis, and sleep paralysis prevention/disruption techniques.

Results: A total of 6811 participants were investigated (mean age = 46.9, SD = 15.4, age range = 18 – 89, 66.1% female). Those who reported experiencing ISP at least once during their lives reported longer sleep onset latencies, shorter sleep duration, and greater insomnia symptoms. Females (vs. male) and younger (vs. older) participants were more likely to experience ISP. Significant fear during episodes was reported by 76.0% of the participants. Most people (63.3%) who experienced ISP believed it to be caused by ‘something in the brain’. A minority endorsed supernatural causes (7.1%). Five prevention strategies (e.g., changing sleep position and adjusting sleep patterns) with at least 60.0% effectiveness, and five disruption strategies (e.g., physical/bodily action and making noise) with varying degrees of effectiveness (ranging from 42.7 to 61.8) were identified through open-ended responses.

Conclusions: ISP is associated with shorter sleep duration, longer sleep onset latency, and greater insomnia symptoms. The multiple prevention and disruption techniques identified in this study support existing treatment approaches and may inform subsequent treatment development. Implications for current diagnostic criteria are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.02.023
Data Access Statement:	Data availability statement: The data used in this study are from a larger study collecting variables on sleep and paranormal beliefs. Papers focusing on clinical features of exploding head syndrome and sleep and paranormal beliefs have been published previously. The data underlying this article are not currently publicly available due to data protection policies. Reasonable requests for access to data should be made to the corresponding author.
Keywords:	isolated sleep paralysis, parasomnia, REM-sleep disorder, sleep disturbances, sleep-wake disorder
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Psychology
Dates:	Date Event 26 February 2023 Accepted 17 March 2023 Published Online April 2023 Published
Item ID:	33215
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2023 10:32
Last Modified:	21 Mar 2023 03:46
Peer Reviewed:	Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/33215

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