Sleep Paralysis

Definition

Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs when you're waking up or falling asleep. It's a harmless condition but can be quite frightening.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon where an individual, either during falling asleep or awakening, temporarily experiences an inability to move, speak, or react. It often involves hallucinations or a feeling of pressure, usually due to the body's transition between sleep stages, specifically rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Benefits

• Increased understanding of sleep stages.
• Potential to improve sleep hygiene by recognizing symptoms.

Examples

• Occurs during REM sleep.
• Commonly reported by individuals under high stress or irregular sleep schedules.

Additional Information

• side effects: While sleep paralysis itself does not have direct physical effects, it can lead to anxiety or disrupted sleep patterns in some individuals.

Related Terms

• REM Sleep
• Sleep Cycle
• Lucid Dreaming
• Circadian Rhythm

References

• Sleep Paralysis: A Guide to the Mystery of Sleep
• Understanding Sleep Paralysis: The Neurobiology and Psychology