Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs as a person is falling asleep or waking up, caused by a disconnect between the brain's waking consciousness and the muscle atonia that normally accompanies rapid eye movement sleep. Episodes typically last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes and are often accompanied by frightening hallucinations, a sensation of pressure on the chest, and a feeling of being unable to breathe, which many cultures have historically explained through folklore about night demons or spirits sitting on the sleeper. It can occur in isolation or alongside other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, and is associated with irregular sleep schedules, sleep deprivation, stress and sleeping on one's back. While the experience is often distressing, sleep paralysis itself is not considered dangerous and usually resolves on its own within moments. Management focuses on improving sleep hygiene, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and treating any underlying sleep disorder; in persistent or particularly disruptive cases, doctors may prescribe medications that suppress REM sleep.