5 reasons you experience sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a temporary but very frightening feeling of being unable to move or speak as you transition between wakefulness and sleep. Here are five potential causes of sleep paralysis:

Sleep deprivation: Sleep paralysis is more common in people who are sleep deprived or have an irregular sleep schedule.

Narcolepsy: Sleep paralysis is a symptom of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can trigger sleep paralysis episodes.

Sleep position: Sleeping on your back can increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis.

Genetics: There may be a genetic component to sleep paralysis, as it tends to run in families.

During a sleep paralysis episode, you may also experience hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

If you experience sleep paralysis frequently or it is causing distress, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment options.