If you wake up and find yourself temporarily unable to move, what is the probable explanation
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Copied! In the wee hours of the morning, you suddenly wake, overcome by a strange feeling of dread. You’re sure there’s an intruder in your room, then you spot a terrifying creature at the end of your bed. Yet you can’t move a muscle — or even scream. It might sound like something out of a horror flick, but this
experience, known as sleep paralysis, is a very real phenomenon. While harmless, this problem can be frightening, and the fear of having an episode may interfere with a good night’s sleep. Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It is a type of parasomnia or sleep disorder
that typically occurs when you are either falling asleep (hypnagogic) or when you are waking up (hypnopompic). During both of those periods, your eyes move quickly as part of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and dreams occur, but your muscles are very relaxed. If you wake up before this stage ends, you might realize that you are unable to move or speak. Sleep paralysis hallucinationsA subset of people also experience hallucinations. These can include:
Although it’s still unclear why or how these hallucinations occur, researchers believe a harmless neurological disturbance could be involved. An episode of sleep paralysis can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. What Causes Sleep Paralysis?Sleep paralysis is quite common. Surveys found that about 40% of people have experienced it at some point in their lives. In fact, nearly every culture has some sort of story or explanation for the experience, ranging from vengeful spirits to alien abductors. Folklore aside, a number of factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis. Why does sleep paralysis happen?One of the major causes of sleep paralysis is sleep deprivation, or a lack of sleep. A change in your sleep schedule, stress, and other sleep-related problems might also play a role. Other factors could be involved, including:
Sleep Paralysis SymptomsSymptoms may vary but commonly include:
How to Stop Sleep ParalysisIt’s normal to experience occasional episodes of sleep paralysis, and no treatment is necessary. If you have another sleep disorder, treating that problem will usually help prevent sleep paralysis as well. The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of having an episode is to get plenty of sleep — at least eight hours per night. You should also try to keep a lid on stress and switch to a side-sleeping position if you typically sleep on your back. If you are troubled by frequent episodes of sleep paralysis, talk to your health care provider, who may recommend that you see a sleep specialist for further evaluation. How to prevent sleep paralysisExperts say the best ways to prevent sleep paralysis are to:
Is sleep paralysis dangerous?While sleep paralysis can be upsetting, it is not dangerous. Sleep paralysis can occur due to many factors, but its effects are not long-lasting or always recurring. Approximately 10% of people, however, have more recurring or bothersome episodes that make sleep paralysis especially distressing. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. How to Wake Up From Sleep ParalysisThere is no proven way to safely wake yourself from sleep paralysis. The best advice is to remain calm and focus on your breathing until the episode ends. You may have a better chance of falling back to sleep than waking yourself, but remaining calm will help either way. About the Sleep CenterHaving trouble sleeping? What keeps you up at night? Learn more about sleep disorders and speak with an expert to get to the root of your sleeping problems. Visit the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center online and make an appointment today. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 12, 2015, and was last reviewed on March 18, 2022. What is the reasoning for sleep paralysis?Why does sleep paralysis happen? During the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, you're likely to have dreams. The brain prevents muscles in your limbs from moving to protect yourself from acting dreams out and hurting yourself. Sleep paralysis happens when you regain awareness going into or coming out of REM.
How do you stop sleep paralysis?How can I prevent sleep paralysis?. Reduce stress in your life.. Exercise regularly but not close to bedtime.. Get sufficient rest.. Maintain a regular sleep schedule.. Keep track of medications you take for any conditions.. What is the temporary paralysis during REM sleep called?With REM sleep behavior disorder, instead of experiencing the normal temporary paralysis of your arms and legs (atonia) during REM sleep, you physically act out your dreams. The onset can be gradual or sudden, and episodes may occur occasionally or several times a night.
Is it normal to have sleep paralysis?Sleep paralysis is a normal part of the REM sleep. However, it is considered to be a disorder when it occurs outside of REM sleep. It can occur in otherwise healthy people, as well as in those presenting symptoms of narcolepsy, cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.
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