08/13/2026
Sleep paralysis can be scary, especially the first time it happens.
It happens when you become aware during the transition out of REM sleep, but your body is still in the temporary muscle paralysis that normally keeps us from acting out our dreams.
You may be awake and aware of what's happening but unable to move, speak, or call out. Some people also experience a sense that someone is in the room or see or hear things that aren't actually there. That can make the episode feel very real and frightening.
Occasional sleep paralysis can happen, particularly in teenagers and young adults. But if it happens often, affects your sleep, or is accompanied by significant daytime sleepiness, it's worth speaking to a sleep specialist. In some cases, recurrent sleep paralysis can occur alongside conditions such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea.
There are plenty of myths about sleep paralysis online. Knowing what's actually happening can make the experience a lot less frightening.