ANCSLEEP BLOG

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is an episode where you can’t move your body or speak directly after or directly before sleep, and while you are conscious. It is part of a collection of sleep disorders called parasomnias, which simply indicates that your sleep has some kind of general disruption. In the case of sleep paralysis, your body has trouble transitioning to and from sleep.

During an episode of sleep paralysis you will be:

• Unable to move
• Unable to speak
• Able to move your eyes
• Conscious

Sleep paralysis may be chronic, periodic, or isolated. It can range from confusing to terrifying. Episodes typically last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and sometimes (though uncommonly) may last longer than two minutes.

Though sleep paralysis can be scary, it’s not dangerous.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is an episode where you can’t move your body or speak directly after or directly before sleep, and while you are conscious. It is part of a collection of sleep disorders called parasomnias, which simply indicates that your sleep has some kind of general disruption. In the case of sleep paralysis, your body has trouble transitioning to and from sleep.

During an episode of sleep paralysis you will be:

• Unable to move
• Unable to speak
• Able to move your eyes
• Conscious

Sleep paralysis may be chronic, seldom, or only happen once. It can range from confusing to terrifying, and episodes can last a few seconds, or as long as a couple of minutes. Occasionally, though rare, they may last longer than two minutes. 

Though sleep paralysis can be scary, it’s not dangerous.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is being unable to move or speak during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Sleep paralysis occurs either right after you wake up, or right before you fall asleep. It is result of your body not smoothly transitioning between stages of wakefulness and sleep. And it can be mildly disconcerting to terrifying, especially if you are unaware what sleep paralysis is. 

When sleep paralysis strikes, you will be unable to move your body, except for your eyes, and unable to speak. It can last only a few seconds or for a couple of minutes, which can be terrifying. Although uncommon, people also report sleep paralysis lasting even longer than two minutes.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is scary, no doubt about it. It’s the feeling of being conscious, but unable to move. It occurs right before you fall asleep, or right after you wake up – namely, in the transition to or from sleep. It can last a few seconds, or it can last up to a couple of minutes (or more!).

During an episode of sleep paralysis:

• You will be partially or totally unable to move
• May be unable to speak

Simply put, it arises as a result of your body not smoothly transitioning between stages of wakefulness and sleep. Continue reading to learn more about what sleep paralysis is and how to manage it.