Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a transient, conscious state of involuntary immobility that occurs when a person is falling asleep or awakening. Clinically, it is categorized as a parasomnia—an abnormal behavior during sleep—and it often includes a feeling of being unable to move or speak. It can be accompanied by hallucinations, which involve sensing or perceiving things that are not present, such as an intruder in the room or a sensation of pressure on the chest. This phenomenon is linked to disrupted REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, where the brain is active and dreams occur, but the body's muscles are purposely paralyzed by the brain to prevent enactment of dreams.

The experience typically lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. While sleep paralysis itself is generally considered harmless, it can be distressing and lead to fear of going to sleep or difficulty in maintain proper sleep hygiene. Most episodes occur in isolation, but frequent occurrences may be associated with narcolepsy, sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, stress, and certain psychiatric conditions. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes to improve sleep, managing stress, and addressing underlying sleep disorders or mental health issues when present. In persistent cases, medical consultation is recommended.