It causes you to be unable to move your body at either of the two following times:. Normally your brain causes your muscles to relax and be still in REM sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs when REM atonia happens while you are falling asleep or waking up. An episode of paralysis may cause you to be unable to speak. It can also make you unable to move your arms and legs, body, and head.
You are still able to breathe normally. You are also fully aware of what is happening. An episode can last for seconds or minutes.
The episode usually ends on its own. It may also end when someone touches you or speaks to you. Making an intense effort to move can also end an episode. Sleep paralysis may occur only once in your life. It may also happen many times in a year. It can be very scary when you are unable to move. You may feel anxious and afraid.
Some people also hallucinate during an episode. They may see, hear or feel things that are not there. They may even think that another person is in the room with them. These hallucinations may also appear without the sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis tends to first appear in the teen years. It then occurs most often when you are in your 20s and 30s. It may continue into your later years. Although the paralysis event may be frightening, it is not a serious medical risk on its own and does not keep you from getting the sleep you need.
Sleep paralysis can be one sign of narcolepsy. Other signs include excessive daytime sleepiness, fragmented sleep, sleep-related hallucinations, and cataplexy. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with sleep paralysis, you should talk to a sleep doctor. Narcolepsy is a serious disorder that requires treatment, and a sleep doctor is best suited to diagnose and treat narcolepsy.
It is also important to know if there is something else that is causing your sleep problems. They may be a result of one of the following:.
Sleep paralysis can affect men and women of any age group. Addressing the underlying cause of frequent awakenings is the best treatment for sleep paralysis. Those with underlying conditions, such as a history of trauma, may benefit from psychotherapy. The PTSD medication Prazosin also has been effective in reducing the trauma-induced nightmares that may lead to sleep paralysis. For most people, the best method is simply keeping a regular sleep schedule.
Most of us are sleep-deprived. Pick a regular bedtime that works for you, and make it a priority to get the number of hours of sleep that leaves you consistently feeling refreshed throughout the day. Most adults need seven to eight hours, but some need nine, or as few as six or seven. If the symptoms make you excessively tired throughout the day or keep you up at night, check with your doctor. They may refer you to a sleep specialist who can help you solve the problem.
The comfort and neck support of your pillow is an important factor in sleep quality. Adjustable pillows -- pillows with removable filler or inserts to allow customization of height and firmness -- are on the rise.
By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy. What's happening to the body during sleep paralysis? Why does sleep paralysis happen? Sleep paralysis is when you cannot move or speak as you are waking up or falling asleep. It can be scary but it's harmless and most people will only get it once or twice in their life.
Sleep paralysis happens when you cannot move your muscles as you are waking up or falling asleep. This is because you are in sleep mode but your brain is active. A GP may be able to treat an underlying condition that could be triggering sleep paralysis such as insomnia or post-traumatic stress disorder.
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