What is sleep paralysis? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What is sleep paralysis?

Asked by Nickgarf, Last updated: Sep 24, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

5 Answers

S.Sophie

S.Sophie

S.Sophie
S.Sophie

Answered Jan 16, 2020

Sleep paralysis can be a very scary feeling. It involves feeling conscious but not being able to move. On top of that, a person can feel or see someone on top of them or trying to torture them, and they are unable to get away. This state is described as a transition from sleeping to waking up.

During this state, a person is feeling every moment that is going by, but they are unable to move or speak. The timing of it can vary. Some people only have it last for a few seconds, while some account that it lasts for a few minutes.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Denton Perez

Denton Perez

love to pen down the thought on diverse topics.

Denton Perez
Denton Perez, Professor, High School, Utah

Answered Jan 08, 2020

Sleep paralysis is defined as the inability to move for a few minutes upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis occurs due to irregularities in the transition between stages of sleep and wakefulness. Sleep paralysis often occurs when moving in or out of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During this stage of sleep, normally, the brain paralyzes the muscles of the body so that they do not physically act out your vivid dreams. The most common cause of sleep paralysis is stress and disturbed sleep, such as jetlag. Studies have also shown that there could be a link between sleep paralysis and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or panic disorder.
upvote downvote
Reply 

R. Tanner

R. Tanner

R. Tanner
R. Tanner

Answered Jan 02, 2020

Sleep paralysis is the condition wherein you are feeling conscious, but you feel that you are unable to move. There are instances when you would feel that you are still within the dream. Most people will say that they may encounter some demons while they are going through this condition, but they cannot do anything about it.

The period wherein people cannot move can last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Those who have already experienced this say that this is probably one of the scariest things that they have encountered in their lives. Some say that they may experience it more often when they are feeling stressed.

upvote downvote
Reply 

K. Galatia

K. Galatia

K. Galatia
K. Galatia

Answered Dec 24, 2019

Sleep paralysis is when you are conscious of your sleep, but not able to move. It occurs when a person passes between periods of wakefulness and sleep. There are two kinds of sleep paralysis, which include hypnopompic or postdormital sleep, which arises when you are about to wake up, and this is the more common form of sleep paralysis. The other kind is called hypnagogic or predormital sleep, which happens before you sleep.

During an episode of sleep paralysis, one may hallucinate, which often results in confusion, fear, restlessness, and extreme panic. This condition may also be prompted by sleep deprivation, emotional stress, or irregular sleep cycles. It is also a sign that your body is not transitioning smoothly through the stages of sleep.

upvote downvote
Reply 

E. James

E. James

E. James
E. James

Answered Dec 19, 2019

Sleep paralysis is a feeling that people may get when they are feeling conscious, but they cannot move. Those who are experiencing sleep paralysis may sometimes feel that there are some demons that are trying to torment them.


People usually describe this as the transition from sleeping to being awake, but being aware of every minute that passes by before you can tell that you are fully awake. Some will only experience this for a few seconds, but there are also some who may experience this for a few minutes. Some may also feel that they are being choked. This can be very scary to people who are experiencing this.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.