Abstract
The prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) is estimated at approximately 7.6% of the world’s general population. One of the strongest factors in the onset of SP is PTSD, which is often found among professional firefighters. Our study aimed to assess in the professional firefighter population (n = 831) (1) the prevalence of SP, (2) the relationship between SP and PTSD and (3) the relationship between SP and other factors: the severity of the stress felt, individual tendency to feel anxious and worried and lifestyle variables. The incidence of SP in the study group was 8.7%. The high probability of PTSD was found in 15.04% of subjects and its presence was associated with 1.86 times the odds of developing SP [OR = 1.86 (95% CI: 1.04–3.33); p = 0.04]. Officers who experienced at least 1 SP during their lifetime had significantly higher results in the scales: PCL-5, STAI-T, PSWQ. The number of SP episodes was positively correlated with the severity of symptoms measured by the PCL-5, PSS-10, STAI and PSWQ questionnaires. Further research is needed to assess the importance of SP among the firefighter population in the context of mental and somatic health and to specify methods of preventing SP episodes.
Highlights
The scope of our study concerned the population of National Fire Service officers, who are vulnerable to sleep disorders as well as psychological problems, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), occupational burnout, chronic stress and depression [16,43]
Our results indicate that an initial high probability of PTSD is associated with 1.86 times the odds of developing sleep paralysis (SP)
Our research statistically reveals a link between SP and PTSD
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Chronic sleep paralysis (SP) is a common but unpleasant experience belonging to parasomnia and can occur when falling asleep or waking up [1]. Motor function is inhibited, while consciousness remains active [2,3,4]. E.g., respiratory and oculomotor muscles, are not affected, so that a person experiencing SP can breathe and move their eyes [5]. During SP visual, auditory, sensory and kinesthetic hallucinations often occur [6,7]. The experience of SP is accompanied by strong psychosomatic sensations such as palpitations, chest tightness and increased anxiety or even fear of dying from the event [7]
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