Remember that adults should aim for between six and nine hours of sleep a night, and frequently forcing yourself to have less than this is not advisable. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Regular sleep deprivation increases your risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. You will also find it harder to concentrate and will have reduced alertness which can make you more prone to accidents. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Get out of bed earlier than usual, before carrying out your daily activities as you would normally. You should be generally active during the day even if you feel tired. Then have a short nap in the evening, for not more than two hours, some time between 7pm and 10pm. After the nap stay awake and be active for at least another hour before heading back to bed. [7] X Research source

Repeat the word again and again, and begin to imagine that somebody is speaking the word to you. Try not to become distracted if you sense lights and other sensations. Concentrate on the word, stay relaxed, and you may feel yourself moving towards the threshold of sleep paralysis. [10] X Research source

To do this, repeat a mantra or focus on a particular point in your visual field. You may then slip into sleep paralysis as you return to sleep but your mind stays aware. [12] X Research source

The paralysis does not cause you any harm, but it can be a frightening situation, especially if you have not experienced it before. Some people will experience it a few times in their life, others more frequently, and some not at all. Typically, it is more frequently observed in teenagers and young adults, although it can affect anybody and is not thought to be influenced by gender. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

These symptoms can create an anxious and disturbed feeling which can persist after you move out of sleep paralysis. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Sleep paralysis itself can be a symptom of narcolepsy. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you can train yourself to recognize when you’re sleeping, you may be able to start lucid dreaming as well. [19] X Expert Source Alex Dimitriu, MDSleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional Expert Interview. 16 October 2019.

If you have severe symptoms, they may be connected to another sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy. Visit your doctor if you experience excessive sleepiness during the day and are finding it difficult to concentrate on everyday tasks. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source