What is sleep paralysis?
Q: What is sleep paralysis?
A: Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon in which people wake up from their sleep but are unable to move because the paralysis that usually occurs during sleep has not stopped.
Q: Why do our muscles become paralyzed during sleep?
A: Our muscles become paralyzed during sleep to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams.
Q: How long does sleep paralysis usually last?
A: Sleep paralysis usually lasts only a few minutes.
Q: Are people aware of their inability to move during sleep paralysis?
A: Yes, people with sleep paralysis are aware of their inability to move.
Q: What do people with sleep paralysis often report feeling during the experience?
A: People with sleep paralysis often report feeling a "presence" or "ghost."
Q: Is sleep paralysis a common phenomenon?
A: Sleep paralysis is relatively common and is estimated to affect up to 8% of the general population.
Q: Does sleep paralysis have any negative health consequences?
A: While sleep paralysis itself is not harmful, it can be associated with other sleep disorders or conditions such as narcolepsy, anxiety, and depression.
