Book an Appointment

Sleep Paralysis: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Sleep paralysis occurs when a person is awake but their body remains immobile, as if still asleep. A person may experience pressure on their chest and be unable to talk. It can be an indication of a health issue. A person experiencing sleep paralysis is unable to move their body, yet their senses and awareness are active. It typically occurs during transitions between sleep and wakefulness, when the mind is awake but the body remains in a sleep state.

It occurs while you transition between the waking and sleep phases. You might not be able to move or talk for a few seconds to many minutes during these transitions. Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders can coexist with sleep paralysis. Narcolepsy is a condition characterised by an overpowering desire to sleep which is caused by abnormal brain's ability to regulate sleep. Let’s learn more about causes, symptoms & treatment of sleep paralysis.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

When you are unable to move any part of your body either before you go to sleep or when you wake up, it is known as sleep paralysis. It takes place while your body transitions between sleep and waking. Sleep paralysis is a form of parasomnia, with episodes typically lasting a few seconds to a few minutes. During an episode of sleep paralysis, you will probably experience fear or anxiety. Once the episode ends, your body regains movement, leaving you confused or concerned about what occurred.
You can get anxious about falling asleep after just one episode of sleep paralysis. This may have an impact on your daytime mood and functioning. While there is no cure to prevent a sleep paralysis episode while it is occurring, there are treatment options to lessen the frequency of occurrences.

Why Does Sleep Paralysis Happen?

As you transition from or into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, you may experience sleep paralysis. Your body hasn’t fully switched sleep phases or woken up during sleep paralysis.

During REM sleep, your brain temporarily signals your muscles to relax, preventing physical movement while dreaming. You can stay motionless during REM sleep due to the outcome, muscular atonia. You'll probably dream while you're in the REM sleep phase.Your brain suppresses muscle activity to prevent you from physically acting out dreams.

What are Causes of Sleep Paralysis?

Common causes include:

Sleep deprivation
Irregular sleep patterns (such as shift work)
Mental health conditions (like anxiety or PTSD)
Certain medications
Seep disorders such as narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea

What are Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis?

During a sleep paralysis episode, you might have the following symptoms either just before you go to sleep or when you wake up:

Inability to move your arms or legs.
Inability speak
A feeling of pressure on the chest (suffocation) or a sensation of detachment from the body
Daytime sleepiness
Hallucinations, such as sensing a presence in the room

How to Prevent Sleep Paralysis?

You can't do anything to stop sleep paralysis from occurring. However, there are things you may do to reduce your risk. Improving your sleep quality is one of the best strategies to prevent sleep paralysis. You can accomplish this by:

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily.
Establishing a peaceful, dark, and pleasant sleeping environment.
Avoiding the use of electronic devices, such as phones and tablets, before bed.
Reading, having a bath, or listening to calming music to relax before bed.

What are Treatment Options for Sleep Paralysis?

Your sleep paralysis's cause will determine how you are treated. Your doctor might suggest the following:

Taking medications to regulate sleep cycles and reduce the frequency of REM sleep.
Taking medications (like antidepressants) for treating an underlying mental health condition or sleep disorder.
Improving the person’s sleep habits.
Consulting a mental health professional to address underlying stress or anxiety contributing to sleep paralysis.

Conclusion

After an episode of sleep paralysis, you may feel anxious and afraid. When you are able to move again, you may worry about what happened and if it will happen again. You might have wondered if anyone would believe you because the encounter felt so weird. These emotions may make it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep and feel well enough to function at your peak during the day.

Don't allow these emotions to prevent you from seeking the help and medical care you require if sleep paralysis is an issue. To reduce your risk of reoccurring episodes, your doctor can identify the causes, provide medicines, or suggest self-care practices.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sleep paralysis from. If you're experiencing symptoms, consult our expert neurologists at IBS Hospital for accurate treatment—book your consultation now!

FAQs

Q1: How Common is Sleep Paralysis?
A: Sleep paralysis is relatively common, with estimates suggesting that around 8% of the population experiences it at least once in their life. It can happen to anyone, but it is more frequent among people with sleep disorders or irregular sleep patterns.

Q2: Should I Be Worried About Sleep Paralysis?
A: Although sleep paralysis can be alarming, it is generally not harmful and does not pose any long-term health risks. However, if episodes are frequent, causing significant distress, or linked to other sleep disorders, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

Q3: When Should I Seek Medical Help?
A: If sleep paralysis is affecting your quality of life, happening frequently, or if it's associated with other sleep disorders or mental health issues, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. They may conduct a sleep study or suggest interventions such as therapy or medication.

Q2: What is the duration of sleep paralysis?
A: A sleep paralysis episode typically lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Q3: If you wake someone who is experiencing sleep paralysis, what would happen?
A: Yes, it is safe to wake someone experiencing sleep paralysis, which may help them regain full movement.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | January 28, 2025 | 9 Min Read