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In this Article

• Sleep paralysis introduction
• Is sleep paralysis a symptom of a serious problem?
• What is sleep paralysis?
• When does sleep paralysis usually occur?
• What happens with hypnagogic sleep paralysis?
• What happens with hypnopompic sleep paralysis?
• Who develops sleep paralysis?
• How is sleep paralysis diagnosed?
• How is sleep paralysis treated?
• What can I do about sleep paralysis?
• Patient Comments: Sleep Paralysis - Causes
• Patient Comments: Sleep Paralysis - Signs
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Sleep Paralysis Index

If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Often there is no need to treat this condition. However, check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns:

• you feel anxious about your symptoms
• your symptoms leave you very tired during the day
• your symptoms keep you up during the night

Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of these things:

• ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks
• discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders
• refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation
• conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder

Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis. Treating any underlying conditions such as narcolepsy may help if you are anxious or unable to sleep well. These treatments may include the following:

• improving sleep habits -- such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night
• using antidepressant medication to help regulate sleep cycles
• treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis
• treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps

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