The correct answer to this question is the components of the brain. There are certain elements in the brain that causes sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis has been studied for years, and some experts attribute the condition to the receptor ionotropic GABAA/glycine. This is not just the only reason for the cause of the condition. Another cause can be anxiety.
If a person is anxious about anything, this can carry into when they fall asleep. Along with anxiety, stress is another reason why sleep paralysis can occur because stress prevents the brain from reaching a complete sleep. Nerves can also go along with a reason for this condition.
According to research on The Journal of Neuroscience, there are two powerful brain chemical systems that help to paralyze skeletal muscles of the body during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine are responsible for REM sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis is defined as the inability to move for a few minutes upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis occurs due to irregularities in the transition between stages of sleep and wakefulness.
Sleep paralysis often occurs when moving in or out of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During this stage of sleep, normally, the brain paralyzes the muscles of the body so that they do not physically act out your vivid dreams.
Sleep paralysis may be the cause of another health condition, such as narcolepsy. It is not common for people to experience sleep paralysis when they are in a deep sleep, which is when REM occurs. This can happen to both men and women, but those who experience this are usually teenagers up to young adults.
There are instances when people may be in a deep sleep, but they will be forced to awaken because of different circumstances. The body may find it hard to adjust to the sudden change, which can make sleep paralysis more possible. During sleep paralysis, a person will be unable to move for a few seconds up to a few minutes.
If sleep overlaps with the REM cycle, paralysis could occur. If there are vivid hallucinations while dreaming, it could also cause paralysis. The obvious culprit is an intersect between the REM (rapid eye movement, dreaming) part of sleep, and the subsequent step of sleep where you start to awaken. The motion neurons are turned off, causing paralysis. Your breathing shifts and the body can no longer regulate its temperature, and REM sleep is notorious for perpetuating lucid and colorful dreams.
Muscle paralysis is the portion of what keeps us protected and not acting out dreams as they are happening. During REM, it is not uncommon to briefly wake up and fall back asleep with little or no memory of it occurring. A possible cause of sleep paralysis is the onset of REM sleep and the process of waking up. Also, people who have sleep paralysis have shorter REM sleep latency.
The reason why sleep paralysis may occur during REM is because of some of the components in the brain. There are some experts who have already suggested that the appearance of ionotropic GABAA/glycine receptors will be one of the reasons why sleep paralysis may occur. There are still other possible reasons why this may happen.
Usually, those who wake up from REM to sleep paralysis become highly anxious because of the details that are still in the dream that they are somewhat experiencing as they are starting to wake up. It can be enough to make people feel nervous about sleeping. Some may get sleep paralysis more often than others.