What Is Sleep Paralysis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Sleep Paralysis What Is Sleep Paralysis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Cathy CassataMedically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MDReviewed: October 28, 2015This condition occurs most often in people in their twenties and thirties, but it can also happen later in life. Sleep paralysis is the inability to move your body when you're falling asleep or waking up. It doesn't affect your sleep or your overall health. When you're asleep, your brain tells your muscles to relax and stay still. In sleep paralysis, this also occurs while you're awake. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that sleep paralysis is a common sleep problem. Estimates of how many people have it vary from 5 to 40 percent of the population. While most people first experience sleep paralysis in their teenage years, the condition is most common when people are in their twenties and thirties, and may continue later in life. Some people experience sleep paralysis just once in their life, while others experience it many times. Sleep paralysis can be a sign of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes extreme drowsiness during the day and can cause people to suddenly fall asleep. What Happens in Sleep Paralysis Episodes of sleep paralysis can last for seconds or minutes. During an episode, you'll still be able to breathe normally, and you'll be aware of everything that is happening. The following symptoms may occur:Inability to talkInability to move your arms, legs, body, or headHallucinations that cause you to see, hear, or feel things that aren't really there The episode may end on its own, when someone touches or speaks to you, or if you try very hard to move. Causes of Sleep Paralysis Having a relative with sleep paralysis may put you at greater risk for the condition. Other factors that may contribute to the condition include:Lack of sleepAn erratic sleep scheduleStressSleeping on your backTaking certain medicationsAbusing drugs or alcoholHaving leg cramps related to sleepHaving bipolar disorderHaving another medical condition Treatment and Medication Options for Sleep Paralysis Once your doctor determines the cause of your sleep paralysis, treatment can begin. Treatments may include:Getting six to eight hours of sleep a night (if you currently sleep less)Medications to treat bipolar disorder or another mental health disorderTreatment for underlying conditions, such as leg crampsAntidepressants to reduce or eliminate dream sleep, if you have narcolepsy (even if you're not depressed) Medically ReviewedNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Sleep Paralysis - Overview & Facts; American Academy of Sleep Medicine.Narcolepsy; Mayo Clinic.Show Less The Latest in Sleep Paralysis Night Owls Have a Higher Risk of Diabetes Heart DiseaseStaying up late at night and sleeping in later in the morning may make people more likely to develop certain chronic diseases, a new study suggests.By Lisa RapaportSeptember 27, 2022 Health Problems Linked to Untreated NarcolepsyUntreated or undertreated narcolepsy can increase your risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, depression, and more. Here’...By Erica PatinoAugust 25, 2022 Can Sex Help You Sleep The body responds to orgasm by unleashing hormones that may help you fall asleep faster and log better-quality sleep.By Moira LawlerAugust 24, 2022 Disparities in Who' s Getting Good Sleep for Black Other Minority CommunitiesBy Sari HarrarAugust 17, 2022 What Sleep Experts Do in the Morning to Set Themselves Up for Good Nightly SleepOpen the blinds, get out of bed, and meditate. Here are the a.m. routines sleep experts swear by.By Leah GrothAugust 16, 2022 Does the Navy SEAL Power Nap Really Leave You Feeling Rested in 8 Minutes Sleep experts weigh in on whether the trending sleep hack really works.By Elena BarreraAugust 8, 2022 7 Tips for a Good Night s Sleep in the Summer Heat and HumiditySoaring temperatures don’t have to sabotage your sleep. Here are some expert tips, plus when to talk to your doctor about night sweats.By Karla WalshJuly 21, 2022 A Complete Guide to Sleep Gummies and What They DoBy Leah GrothJuly 18, 2022 Can Insomnia Go Away on Its Own A doctor explains the difference between sleep problems that can resolve on their own (with a lifestyle tweak or two) and those that need a doctor’s help...By Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPHJune 21, 2022 Study Finds Climate Change Could Be Bad for Sleep TooIt’s a problem because less sleep increases risk of lots of chronic health problems, and can interfere with cognitive function and mood.By Oladimeji EwumiJune 3, 2022 MORE IN What Makes Someone a Light or Heavy Sleeper Insomnia Signs Symptoms and Diagnosis Types of Insomnia Acute vs Chronic