Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon that affects millions worldwide, causing hallucinations, fear, and anxiety. It occurs when the brain, awake and alert, collides with the body, still asleep and paralyzed.
Dr. Baland Jalal, a leading expert on sleep paralysis, experienced his first episode in school. Since then, he has struggled with recurring episodes during high-stress periods. However, through research and self-experimentation, Jalal developed meditation relaxation therapy to reduce sleep paralysis by 50%.
Sleep paralysis is not inherently dangerous but can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder or lead to anxiety around sleep, causing avoidance of restful sleep. Common risk factors include stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and genetic predisposition.
Expert-approved treatments focus on healthy sleep habits, stress management, and relaxation exercises. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness, and using cognitive behavioral therapy can alleviate symptoms. Medications like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed to manage underlying issues.
Jalal’s meditation relaxation therapy involves cognitively reappraising the attack, emotionally distancing oneself from it, focusing on positive thoughts, relaxing muscles, and viewing one’s biology in a more objective way. While not yet widely adopted as a treatment option, this self-developed technique shows promise in reducing sleep paralysis episodes.
Key takeaways:
– Sleep paralysis is not inherently dangerous but can lead to anxiety around sleep.
– Stress, anxiety, and genetic predisposition increase the risk of sleep paralysis.
– Healthy sleep habits, stress management, and relaxation exercises are essential for alleviating symptoms.
– Meditation relaxation therapy has shown promise in reducing sleep paralysis episodes.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/08/health/sleep-paralysis-causes-treatments-wellness