Sleep paralysis, Ibiza holidays and ecstasy

Before we get into this post just a quick reminder that this site in no way advocates the use of drugs as acceptable either when on holiday in Ibiza or at home. See the Ibiza drug law page for more on this. Also I don't want this blog to start dishing out medical advice, I'm definitely not well placed to be diagnosing other peoples complex sleeping disorders - if you think you've got a problem for gods sake go to the doctors!

Sleep paralysis is a condition I've heard a lot of people describe suffering from upon returning from holidays in Ibiza. Sleep paralysis is a medical term for a sleep disorder which can result in vivid hallucinations. The wiki entry on it has this description:

Sleep paralysis occurs when the brain awakes from a REM state, but the body paralysis persists. This leaves the person fully conscious, but unable to move. The paralysis can last from several seconds to several minutes after which the individual may experience panic symptoms and the realization that the distorted perceptions were false.

Furthermore:

In addition, the paralysis state may be accompanied by terrifying hallucinations (hypnopompic or hypnagogic) and an acute sense of danger.[8] Sleep paralysis is particularly frightening to the individual because of the vividness of such hallucinations.

Although actual evidence around this is sketchy I think it's fair to say that whenever I've heard people talk about suffering from the condition after spending a week or two partying in Ibiza, drugs have been involved in that holiday, typically ecstasy. There's plenty of anecdotatl evidence and first hand reports to support this conclusion. Ecstasy use greatly increases your risk of suffering from sleep paralysis.

The explanations for this can broadly be broken down into chemical and behavioural.

Chemically, after using MDMA (the main "ingrediant" in ecstasy tablets), both serotonin and melatonin levels are depleted, the latter of which forms part of the system that regulates the 'sleep-wake cycle' so a deficiency of this chemical could increase the liklihood of sleep paralysis.

The second and I think more significant factor is the change of behaviour (in particular sleep patterns) associated with clubbing holidays. The following are cited as increasing the likelihood of suffering from sleep paralysis:

• Sleeping in a face upwards or supine position
• Irregular sleeping schedules; naps, sleeping in, sleep deprivation
• Increased stress
• Sudden environmental/lifestyle changes

I think a couple of these are probably synonymous with many peoples experiences in Ibiza. In particular the sleep deprivation and sudden lifestyle changes which are certainly a factor if you're only in Ibiza for a week or two. I've heard season workers talk about not experiencing the same sleep paralysis effect when retuning from extended stays as they have when just holidaying for a week so perhaps the shock of moving quickly between sleeping patterns is a contributing factor.

From the sounds of it there's a few things you can do to limit the chances you'll suffer from this nasty condition when you come back from holiday, bearing in mind everything above, most of his should be common sense I reckon.

1. Don't take drugs
Of course you shouldn't anyway but this does seem to be the major contributing factor. Excessive alcohol consumption over the same period doesn't appear to be linked.

2. Limit the length and depth of drug usage
If obstaining isn't an option reduce the amount of times you take pills by having nights off and obviously taking less is going to help somewhat.

3. Sleep
Pulling all nighters is one thing but going on through the day without catching up on sleep its going to lead to sleep deprivation, a major factor in sleep paralysis. Sleeping when you can, whether at night, morning, afternoon or evening is almost certainly better than no sleep.

4. Avoid stimulants which could affect sleep patterns

So not just the drugs but energy drinks and sugary alcopops.

5. Stay healthy and eat reguarly

Sleep experts link a healthy diet with healthy sleeping patterns. Most peoples Ibiza experiences don't focus much on food so make time to eat regularly and in a balanced way. If all else fails get some fruit juice or multi vits.

Cures for sleep paralysis?

If you're back and already suffering the effects there doesn't seem to be any miracle cures available. Your body should sort out any chemical imbalances after a few days providing you look after yourself so the most important thing you can do is aleviate the effects of sleep deprivation by, well, sleeping of course!

Its a good idea to take short naps regularly throughout the day if you can as well as longer periods of rest at night.

Feel free to add your own experiences or questions in the comments and correct any of my amateur psychology!

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