Have you ever woken up and felt fully aware of your surroundings but are unable to move or speak? The terrifying sensation isn\u2019t all in your head or part of a bad dream; it\u2019s a phenomenon called sleep paralysis, and there\u2019s a scientific explanation for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sleep paralysis is fairly common, with research estimating it affects anywhere from 5% to 40% of people<\/a>, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people also experience hallucinations during sleep paralysis, which can make the ordeal even more frightening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we break down what causes sleep paralysis, what\u2019s happening in your body during an episode, and how to treat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically during the REM sleep stage<\/a>, your brain sends signals for your muscles to relax and be still. This is called \u201cREM atonia\u201d and is what keeps you from acting out your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During sleep paralysis, your body is experiencing REM atonia as you’re waking up or falling asleep. The result is the feeling of being paralyzed, though you’re still able to breathe normally and move your eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An episode of sleep paralysis can last for a few seconds up to a couple of minutes. The episode typically breaks on its own or when you move or are touched. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of sleep paralysis can differ from person to person and from one episode to the next. However, they generally include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people also experience hallucinations or seeing or hearing things that aren\u2019t there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can get sleep paralysis, but it tends to first appear during adolescence. It’s most likely to occur during early adulthood and may continue throughout life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact cause of sleep paralysis isn’t known, but experts believe it’s linked to sleep deprivation<\/a>, disrupted sleep, or an irregular sleep schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research shows college students<\/a> and shift workers<\/a> have higher rates of sleep paralysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recurrent sleep paralysis (having multiple episodes over time) can also be a sign of narcolepsy<\/a>, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming drowsiness during the day and sudden attacks of sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea<\/a>, are also linked to a higher incidence of sleep paralysis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People who have mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are also more likely to get sleep paralysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no specific test for sleep paralysis, but a healthcare provider can diagnose it based on an evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the visit, you’ll be asked about your symptoms, including what your episodes feel like and how often they occur, as well as your sleep schedule, including how many hours of sleep you get per night<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also be asked for a medical history, including any medications you’re taking, whether you smoke or use alcohol or drugs, and whether you have a history of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor may want to test you for sleep disorders that may cause episodes of sleep paralysis, such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are no proven therapies to prevent or stop episodes of sleep paralysis. However, there are some things you can do to recover sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people find if they concentrate on small body movements, such as wiggling a toe or finger, they can break the episode more quickly. Making a great effort to move can also end a spell of sleep paralysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also take steps to lower the chance of sleep paralysis occurring. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is sleep paralysis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the symptoms of sleep paralysis? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What causes sleep paralysis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is sleep paralysis diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is sleep paralysis treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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