Sleep paralysis and the feeling of falling.. What happens to the brain..??

Despite the fear and anxiety these two phenomena cause, they are linked to the brain's transition mechanisms between wakefulness and sleep, and in most cases, they do not indicate the presence of a serious neurological disorder.

Consultant and specialist in brain and neurological diseases, Dr. Mohammad Al-Zureiqi, confirmed that understanding the nature of sleep paralysis and hypnic jerks helps dispel the fears associated with them, noting that staying up late, stress, fatigue, and excessive consumption of stimulants may increase the likelihood of their occurrence and recurrence.

He explained in an interview with "Alrai" that during the dream sleep stage, the brain temporarily inhibits the movement of most voluntary muscles to prevent the person from acting out the movements they see in their dreams.

Al-Zureiqi added that sleep paralysis occurs when a person regains consciousness while this muscle inhibition continues for seconds or minutes, leaving them aware of their surroundings but unable to move or speak.

He emphasized that this condition is different from paralysis resulting from strokes or neurological injuries, as it is temporary and ends automatically.

Regarding the feeling some people have of others being near them, hearing voices, or sensing the touch of people who are not there, Al-Zureiqi explained that these experiences are known as sleep hallucinations and occur as a result of some dream features overlapping with the state of consciousness during the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

As for the feeling of pressure on the chest or suffocation, he explained that it may accompany sleep paralysis without necessarily meaning that breathing has stopped, as the diaphragm continues to function.

He warned of the necessity of medical evaluation in the presence of severe snoring, noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, due to the possibility of sleep apnea.

Al-Zureiqi advised people who experience sleep paralysis to remain calm and avoid panic, while breathing naturally and calmly and trying to move the fingers or toes gradually, without straining oneself to resist the condition.

He confirmed that the person's realization that what is happening is temporary and is preceded or followed by normal sleep helps them deal with it without fear.

Regarding the sudden feeling of falling at the onset of sleep, Al-Zureiqi pointed out that this phenomenon is medically known as "Hypnic Jerks," which consist of sudden muscle contractions that occur during the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

He continued that these contractions may be accompanied by a sensation of falling from a high place or stumbling, as the brain may link the sudden movement to an image or scene resembling a dream.

He considered these jerks to be common and usually harmless, and they do not in themselves mean the presence of epilepsy or nerve damage.

Al-Zureiqi indicated that the recurrence of sleep paralysis or hypnic jerks in a way that affects sleep quality, or causes a constant fear of sleep, requires seeing a doctor.

Also, the appearance of neurological symptoms during wakefulness, or sudden sleep attacks during the day, requires specialized evaluation to rule out other disorders, including narcolepsy and some types of epilepsy.

Al-Zureiqi emphasized that prevention begins with regulating sleep and wake times, getting enough rest, reducing caffeine and stimulants, and avoiding staying up late and vigorous exercise before sleep.

He noted that modifying daily habits may contribute to reducing the recurrence of the two phenomena, stressing that fear of them should not in itself turn into a cause for sleep disturbance.