Morning paralysis, also known as sleep paralysis, is a condition in which a person is unable to move or speak upon waking up or falling asleep. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, with "morning" pronounced as /ˈmɔː.nɪŋ/ and "paralysis" pronounced as /pəˈræl.ə.sɪs/. The term refers to the temporary loss of muscle control during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or vice versa. Although often frightening, morning paralysis is not generally considered harmful and can be managed through proper sleep habits and techniques.
Morning paralysis refers to a temporary and often unpleasant state of immobility or weakness experienced upon waking up, characterized by the inability to move or speak for a brief period of time. This condition, also known as sleep paralysis, typically occurs during the transition between sleep and wakefulness, when the brain and body are not correctly synchronized.
During an episode of morning paralysis, an individual may be conscious and aware of their surroundings, yet find themselves unable to perform voluntary movements or articulate words. This sensation of being trapped or immobilized can be alarming and may induce feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic. Additionally, some individuals might report hallucinations or a sense of pressure on the chest during these episodes.
The exact causes of morning paralysis are not fully understood; however, certain factors, such as sleep deprivation, disrupted sleep schedules, or irregular sleep patterns, have been associated with increased likelihood of experiencing these episodes. It is believed that morning paralysis occurs when the body fails to transition smoothly between sleep stages, leading to temporary muscle atonia, or loss of muscle control. The mind, although awake, remains partially in a dream-like state, causing a disconnect between intention and action.
While morning paralysis can be a distressing experience, it is generally harmless and tends to resolve on its own within several seconds or minutes. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce the frequency of morning paralysis episodes. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to address underlying sleep disorders or other contributing factors.
• See under paralysis.
• Infantile paralysis in which the stage of fever is slight or absent, a child being put to bed well and waking up paralyzed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
There is no specific term "morning paralysis" in etymology as a whole. It seems to be a combination of "morning" and "paralysis", both of which have independent etymologies.
1. Morning:
The word "morning" originated from the Old English word "morgen", which stems from the Proto-Germanic word "murgana". Its root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word "merg-", meaning "to blink" or "to shine". It eventually evolved into the Middle English word "morwening" and later became "morning" as we know it today.
2. Paralysis:
The word "paralysis" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "paralusis" (πάραλυσις) which means "a loosening, weakness".