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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

There's no need to fear nighttime demons or alien abductors. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take steps at home to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress in your life -- especially just before bedtime. Try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back. And be sure to see your doctor if sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a good night's sleep.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: "Sleep Paralysis."
National Sleep Foundation: "Ask the Sleep Expert: Sleep & Parasomnias."
National Sleep Foundation: "Sleep Paralysis."
National Sleep Foundation: "Topics A to ZZZZs: Narcolepsy."
National Sleep Foundation: "What Happens When You Sleep?"

Reviewed by Louis R. Chanin, MD on March 03, 2010

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