Related articles: Sleep paralysis
Definition
Sleep paralysis is a disorder characterized by the transient and generalized inability to move and speak, which occurs before falling asleep (hypnagogic paralysis) or in the phase of awakening (hypnopompic paralysis). The phenomenon lasts from a few seconds to several minutes, then regresses spontaneously.
Sleep paralysis can be very dramatic for the subject, who is aware of not being able to move, despite the desire to do so. The voluntary muscles are paralyzed, as if the body had already entered or was still in a state of rest, while the brain is active.
Sleep paralysis can be favored by an irregular sleep-wake rhythm, sleep deprivation and stress. Furthermore, they can represent one of the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Possible Causes * of Sleep Paralysis
- Narcolepsy
