Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsIdentifying Sleep ParalysisCausesTypesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Identifying Sleep Paralysis
Causes
Types
Treatment
Coping
Close
People who experience this type of paralysis sometimes also suffer from other sleep disorders likenarcolepsyso it’s important to be aware of any underlying issues when seeking treatment for this condition.
Sleep paralysis can be uncomfortable and frightening, but luckily there are treatments available that can help manage these symptoms.
Signs of Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs when you are waking up or falling asleep. It may last for seconds or minutes, but it can feel like an eternity of horror if you don’t know what it is.
Below is a list of specific signs of sleep paralysis:
Sleep paralysis is classified as a sleep-wake disorder associated withrapid eye movement (REM)sleep.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single test that can definitively identify sleep paralysis and rule out other conditions such as narcolepsy orseizure disorders.
Causes of Sleep Paralysis
The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to disruptions in the normal transition between wakefulness and REM sleep. Certain factors can increase your risk of experiencing episodes of sleep paralysis such as the following:
Types of Sleep Paralysis
There are two types of sleep paralysis: Isolated Sleep Paralysis (ISP) and Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP).
Isolated Sleep Paralysis (ISP)
It is typically not associated with any underlying medical condition and can easily be resolved with some lifestyle changes such as getting adequate rest and managing stress levels.
Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP)
This type of sleep paralysis is often linked to psychological disorders like depression or anxiety, as well as certain medications. Treatment for RISP usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Treatment for Sleep Paralysis
Treatment for sleep paralysis depends on the type and severity. For isolated cases, lifestyle changes such asimproving sleeping habitsorreducing stress levelsmay help reduce episodes of sleep paralysis.
In cases of recurrent or severe sleep paralysis, a doctor may prescribe medications to regulate REM cycles and/or recommend psychotherapy to address any underlying psychological issues.
It’s important to remember that episodes of sleep paralysis are usually harmless and do not cause any physical harm. If you find yourself frequently experiencing episodes of sleep paralysis, talk to your doctor about possible treatments available so you can get relief from this condition.
Coping with Sleep Paralysis
Below are some tips to help manage episodes of sleep paralysis and reduce the risk of further episodes:
Sleep paralysis can be a frightening experience, but with the help of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can reduce or even eliminate episodes of sleep paralysis. With proper management, you can get the restful sleep that your body needs.
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7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Farooq M, Anjum F.Sleep Paralysis. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 5, 2022.Sharpless BA.A clinician’s guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016 Jul 19;12:1761-7. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S100307. PMID: 27486325; PMCID: PMC4958367.Slowik JM, Collen JF, Yow AG.Narcolepsy. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 21, 2022.Denis D, French CC, Gregory AM.A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis.Sleep Med Rev. 2018;38:141-157. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005Wróbel-Knybel P, Flis M, Rog J, Jalal B, Wołkowski L, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H.Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis and Its Association with Anxiety Symptoms, Perceived Stress, PTSD, and Other Variables Related to Lifestyle in Selected High Stress Exposed Professions.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(13):7821. Published 2022 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137821Sharpless BA, Kliková M.Clinical features of isolated sleep paralysis.Sleep Med. 2019;58:102-106. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.007Hintze JP, Gault D.Escitalopram for recurrent isolated sleep paralysis.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e13027. doi:10.1111/jsr.13027
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Farooq M, Anjum F.Sleep Paralysis. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 5, 2022.Sharpless BA.A clinician’s guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016 Jul 19;12:1761-7. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S100307. PMID: 27486325; PMCID: PMC4958367.Slowik JM, Collen JF, Yow AG.Narcolepsy. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 21, 2022.Denis D, French CC, Gregory AM.A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis.Sleep Med Rev. 2018;38:141-157. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005Wróbel-Knybel P, Flis M, Rog J, Jalal B, Wołkowski L, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H.Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis and Its Association with Anxiety Symptoms, Perceived Stress, PTSD, and Other Variables Related to Lifestyle in Selected High Stress Exposed Professions.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(13):7821. Published 2022 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137821Sharpless BA, Kliková M.Clinical features of isolated sleep paralysis.Sleep Med. 2019;58:102-106. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.007Hintze JP, Gault D.Escitalopram for recurrent isolated sleep paralysis.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e13027. doi:10.1111/jsr.13027
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Farooq M, Anjum F.Sleep Paralysis. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 5, 2022.Sharpless BA.A clinician’s guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016 Jul 19;12:1761-7. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S100307. PMID: 27486325; PMCID: PMC4958367.Slowik JM, Collen JF, Yow AG.Narcolepsy. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 21, 2022.Denis D, French CC, Gregory AM.A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis.Sleep Med Rev. 2018;38:141-157. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005Wróbel-Knybel P, Flis M, Rog J, Jalal B, Wołkowski L, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H.Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis and Its Association with Anxiety Symptoms, Perceived Stress, PTSD, and Other Variables Related to Lifestyle in Selected High Stress Exposed Professions.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(13):7821. Published 2022 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137821Sharpless BA, Kliková M.Clinical features of isolated sleep paralysis.Sleep Med. 2019;58:102-106. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.007Hintze JP, Gault D.Escitalopram for recurrent isolated sleep paralysis.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e13027. doi:10.1111/jsr.13027
Farooq M, Anjum F.Sleep Paralysis. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 5, 2022.
Sharpless BA.A clinician’s guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016 Jul 19;12:1761-7. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S100307. PMID: 27486325; PMCID: PMC4958367.
Slowik JM, Collen JF, Yow AG.Narcolepsy. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 21, 2022.
Denis D, French CC, Gregory AM.A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis.Sleep Med Rev. 2018;38:141-157. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005
Wróbel-Knybel P, Flis M, Rog J, Jalal B, Wołkowski L, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H.Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis and Its Association with Anxiety Symptoms, Perceived Stress, PTSD, and Other Variables Related to Lifestyle in Selected High Stress Exposed Professions.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(13):7821. Published 2022 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137821
Sharpless BA, Kliková M.Clinical features of isolated sleep paralysis.Sleep Med. 2019;58:102-106. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.03.007
Hintze JP, Gault D.Escitalopram for recurrent isolated sleep paralysis.J Sleep Res. 2020;29(6):e13027. doi:10.1111/jsr.13027
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