Student with sleep paralysis undergoes treatment in Hyderabad

A 20-year-old university student suffering from recurrent sleep paralysis with disturbing hallucinations was successfully treated at Arete Hospitals. Doctors attributed the condition to irregular sleep patterns and managed it through counselling, sleep hygiene education and lifestyle correction

Hyderabad: A 20-year-old university student who had been experiencing frightening night-time episodes such as sleep paralysis, a sensation of a white form sitting on the chest causing pressure, and vivid, unsettling visions has successfully undergone treatment at Arete Hospitals.

Following a detailed clinical interaction focusing on sleep habits and symptom patterns, Dr Nalini Nagalla, pulmonologist and international sleep specialist at Arete Hospitals, diagnosed the student with Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP) accompanied by hypnopompic hallucinations.

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The condition is commonly observed in young adults, particularly those with irregular sleep routines. Importantly, there were no indications of any underlying neurological disorder or psychiatric illness in this case.

Management of the condition focused on non-pharmacological interventions, including reassurance, psychoeducation, sleep hygiene counselling and correction of delayed sleep phase. The patient was advised to maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule and avoid sleep deprivation.