Sleep Paralysis: What is Sleep Paralysis, What Triggers It & Why Is It So Scary

Last Updated on 2024-05-07 , 1:30 pm

For most of us, we would probably know what it’s like to be in bed and feel too tired to move.  But for some unfortunate people, it’s literally impossible for them to move when they wake up. This scary sleep disorder, sleep paralysis, has plagued humankind ever since humans started sleeping.

If this has happened to you, you may be wondering what this scary phenomenon is, and whether it’s something you should be worried about.

Well, read on as you learn everything you need to know about the condition.

Sleep Paralysis As Frightening as It Sounds

If you’ve never experienced sleep paralysis and don’t know what it is, well, it’s as frightening as it sounds.

As the name suggests, it is a temporary inability to move that occurs right after falling asleep or waking up.

This terrifying ordeal can last for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a choking sensation.

Yup, it’s no joking matter.

So… why does this occur?

ICYDK, our voluntary muscles are always paralysed when we’re asleep.

Our brain tells our body’s voluntary muscles to chill out and go into a state of paralysis, which is called atonia.

This restricts our physical movements while we dream, which helps protect the body from any external injury.

In those with sleep disorders like sleepwalking, atonia does not occur properly, which is why their muscles can move; their mind is asleep but their body is awake.

In sleep paralysis, the opposite happens: you are alert and conscious, but are unable to move voluntary muscles.

While we don’t know how many people actually have sleep paralysis, it’s estimated that around 8 to 40% of people experience sleep paralysis at some point in their life.

This disorder is also gender-neutral, so both men and women are susceptible to it.

Sleep Paralysis Sometimes Involves Hallucinations

Many people who experience sleep paralysis also have hallucinations during episodes.

According to the Sleep Foundation, there are three main types of hallucinations during sleep paralysis:

1. Chest pressure hallucinations, which incite a feeling of suffocation
2. Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can include feelings of movement or out-of-body sensations
3. Intruder hallucinations, which involve the perception of a dangerous person or presence in the room

This last one may be the most terrifying, because… some hallucinate demons or a shadowy man.

Some sufferers report observing a scary figure such as a demon, shadowy man, or even an alien above them.

These hallucinations and sensations can seem so realistic that some sufferers believe they’re being subjected to weird tests and rituals.

Creepy. I would shit bricks if this happens to me.

We Don’t Know Why It Happens, But There Are Some Theories

While the exact cause is unknown, there are a few theories as to why sleep paralysis occurs.

One theory concerns atonia, the temporary muscle paralysis that was stated earlier.

The theory states that this temporary state of paralysis is meant to prevent us from hurting ourselves, like in response to some violent dream.

In this state, we sometimes wake up from our sleep but not fully, so the boundary between reality and dreams is blurred. 

Sleep paralysis has also been linked to:

• insomnia
• disrupted sleeping patterns (because of jet lag or shift work)
• narcolepsy
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• general anxiety disorder
• panic disorder

Those with a family history of sleep paralysis may also be more likely to suffer from the condition.

What to do? Blame it on the bad genes I guess.

When Sleep Paralysis Happens, Don’t Panic

There’s actually no proven way to wake up from sleep paralysis.

Staying calm during episodes can really help one cope with the anxiety of not being able to move.

After all, the scary sensation will eventually wear off, and you’ll either wake up or drift back into sleep.

Also, since you’re conscious, you probably know you’re suffering from sleep paralysis so you can safely just relax.

However, a small number of sufferers claim that wiggling their toes and moving their fingers or facial muscles will eventually wake the rest of the body up.

For the rest of us, though, we’ll just have to wait until the feeling goes away.

Things You Can Do to Prevent Sleep Paralysis from Happening Again

There is no cure for sleep paralysis and you may not be able to wake up during episodes, but there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening again.

These include:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Getting a comfortable mattress and pillow
• Setting up your bedroom to have limited intrusion from light or noise
• Reducing consumption of alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening
• Putting away electronic devices for at least a half-hour before bed
• Avoiding sleep on your back
• Exercising regularly, but not in the 4 hours before going to bed
• Treating any underlying conditions such as stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Learning meditation and muscle relaxations, which may help you to cope with the experience
• Avoiding large meals before bed

Well, basically, it’s to have a healthy lifestyle.

Featured Image: sezer66 / Shutterstock.com