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Daytime sleep attacks, sleep paralysis: Possible causes?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have daily sleep attacks during the day (irresistible sleep attacks) and before I fall to sleep I see things like I am dreaming but I knew I am awake. At night, before I fall asleep I have multiple episodes of sleep paralysis. Sometimes in every morning, I have sleep attacks and I fall asleep and sometimes I have dreams but when I am awake I realize it has been only seconds or a few minutes.

It started last year. Initially, I was unable to stay awake beyond 10 PM, then I started to have multiple episodes of sleep attacks during the day. It started as an irresistible urge to sleep which I tried to resist but then I go into a hallucination where I see and hear things like a dream but I am aware that I am awake and when I realized that the sleep become more intense and I fall asleep. This episode lasts for 12-30 minutes and in between the episodes, I feel refreshed but only for a few minutes and then the next attack will start. At night, upon falling asleep I have sleep paralysis and it is usually once but two incidences happened for three consecutive times. It mostly happened when I am not doing activities, after meal, using phone, watching TV or when I am sitting in the car for long-distance. This been happening for a duration of four months and after that, it comes and go with no specific pattern.

I saw a doctor and my labs were all normal. I did a sleep study and MSLT and also normal and I do not have depression. What do you think is the possible cause of that?

Answered by Dr. Vandana Patidar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Irresistible sleep attacks during daytime are called narcolepsy. They are usually considered harmful and should be treated with stimulant drugs. Amphetamines are used to treat them.

Sleep paralysis is also treated with antidepressant medicines and Benzodiazepines. Usually, it is observed that if a person has good night time sleep there will be a reduction in the sleep attacks during the daytime. The reasons are usually not very clear but some genetic factors play a role. I would advise you to contact a sleep medicine expert at your place and start the treatment.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

But I have one episode only of sleep attacks which was for four months and then disappear. I know I had such sleep attacks many years back but it was not like this. I have done a sleep study and MSLT and showed no abnormalities although I have done it when the sleep attacks have already disappeared.

Answered by Dr. Vandana Patidar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you wish you could wait for some time. But yes, if symptoms progress consult a psychiatrist or sleep medicine expert.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At March 14, 2020
Reviewed At May 13, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Patidar is a compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being. She provides patient-centered care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders, and relationship concerns. With expertise in psychotherapy and counseling, Dr. Patidar combines evidence-based approaches with empathetic guidance to help individuals build resilience and achieve balance in their lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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