Ever woken up unable to move or speak, feeling an eerie presence in your room? You might have experienced sleep paralysis—a temporary inability to control your body while transitioning between sleep and wakefulness.
During an episode, some feel a crushing weight on their chest, see shadowy figures, or struggle to open their eyes. Though usually brief, these moments can be terrifying.
While sleep paralysis is typically harmless, you should seek medical help if:
- It happens frequently
- Fear of it disrupts your sleep
- You experience excessive daytime sleepiness or muscle weakness, signs of narcolepsy
Watch: Real People Share Their Creepy Sleep Paralysis Nightmares
What Causes Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis occurs when the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage overlaps with wakefulness, leaving the mind awake while the body remains immobilized. It usually happens during transitions between sleep and wakefulness.
Normal Sleep Cycle:
- Stage 1 – Light sleep, lasting about 7 minutes. You can wake up easily.
- Stage 2 – Deeper sleep within 20-30 minutes, with minimal dreaming.
- Stage 3 & REM – Deep sleep where dreaming occurs. The brain cycles between stages 2 and 3, with REM increasing toward morning.
How Sleep Paralysis Happens:
When the brain shifts toward wakefulness while still influenced by REM sleep, temporary paralysis occurs. This can lead to hallucinations or a sensation of pressure on the chest.
What are the Risk Factors of Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is most frequently experienced by teenagers and young adults, though several other factors can increase the likelihood of it occurring.
- Conditions such as narcolepsy
- An irregular sleep schedule or disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle
- Sleeping in a supine position (on the back)
- Genetic predisposition
- Past emotional trauma
- Mental health issues like depression
- Anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorders
How to Reduce the Risk of Sleep Paralysis
While doctors may sometimes prescribe antidepressants to regulate sleep patterns, most cases of sleep paralysis can be managed by making simple lifestyle changes.
- Get enough sleep each night to meet your body’s needs.
- Limit screen exposure before bed, and create a dark, quiet sleeping environment.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Exercise regularly, but finish workouts at least four hours before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening to promote better rest.
Tips for Getting Out of Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis can be frightening, but these techniques might help you break free faster:
- Focus on the back of your head – Concentrating on where your head touches the pillow can ground you in reality.
- Control your breathing – Try irregular patterns, like exhaling twice before inhaling.
- Avoid speaking – Trying to talk may heighten fear; instead, tense and release your muscles.
- Practice lucid dreaming – Training your mind to control dreams can reduce hallucinations.
- Remind yourself it will pass – Stay calm and remember it’s temporary.