Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis usually associated with narcolepsy, may sometimes occur on its own as a separate entity with no other accompanying symptoms, or other  underlying disease states. The paralysis which naturally occurs during the REM state prevents us from acting out our dreams, the only movement which takes place is the rapid movement of the eyes, however, sleep paralysis occurs only in a state of waking from sleep, or dozing off to sleep.

Sleep paralysis is characterized by an inability to move voluntarily on arousal from sleep or at the time of sleep onset, consciousness  Because consciousness is maintained, it is easy to understand that  the person usually experiences a severe state of anxiety and fear during this phase, however,the condition usually passes in a very short time, often less than a minute. Although the condition resolves spontaneously, external stimulation triggers an immediate and prompt resolution.

Sleep paralysis may occur more frequently in individuals who have other sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea , sleep deprivation, or narcolepsy. A sleep study may be required to rule out narcolepsy.

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