Sleep paralysis in college students
1Department of Psychological Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|August 20, 2020
Summary
Approximately one-third of college students experience sleep paralysis (SP), a condition linked to increased stress and poor sleep quality. This study highlights the need for campus health services to address sleep paralysis awareness and management.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep paralysis (SP) is a parasomnia characterized by temporary inability to move or speak during sleep-wake transitions.
- Prevalence and associated factors of SP among college students require further investigation.
- Understanding SP's link to stress and sleep quality is crucial for student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) in a college student population.
- To examine the association between SP, stress levels, and sleep quality.
- To explore subjective experiences and beliefs related to SP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 1,115 undergraduate students.
- Validated questionnaires assessed life-events stress, self-perceived stress, sleep quality, and insomnia.
- Demographic data, including ethnicity and gender, were collected.
Main Results:
- 35% of students reported a history of sleep paralysis (SP).
- Individuals with SP reported significantly higher levels of stress and poorer sleep quality compared to those without SP.
- The association between SP and stress/poor sleep was more pronounced in those who experienced SP within the past year.
Conclusions:
- Sleep paralysis (SP) affects approximately one-third of undergraduate students in this southwestern US university sample.
- Higher stress and poorer sleep quality are significantly associated with the experience of SP.
- Campus health practitioners should consider integrating SP assessment and education into health services.
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