Why Do I Experience A Temporary Loss Of Muscle Function During Sleep?

During sleep, do you experience the inability to move or speak? An episode may last for a few seconds to about 2 minutes.

During an episode, do you feel as if something is pushing you down?

During an episode, do you feel like someone or something is in the room?

During an episode, do you feel fear?

Do you experience hallucinations during, right before, or after sleep?

Based on your answer, it is unlikely that you have a significant sleep problem. People who suffer from sleep paralysis are unable to move or speak during sleep. They may be aware of what’s happening but can’t react. Besides, it’s common that the person remembers the episode after it disappears. Episodes may end on their own, but they may also end because someone touches or moves the person who is experiencing sleep paralysis. People with mental disorders such as major depression, anxiety disorders, and narcolepsy are more at risk of sleep paralysis. Besides, people who have a disrupted sleep schedule or a lack of sleep are also more likely to develop sleep paralysis.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have sleep paralysis. It’s important to seek medical help. There are no tests to diagnose the condition, your doctor will ask you about your sleeping behavior and medical history. He may also ask you to keep a sleep diary, and in some cases, he may recommend an overnight study to track brain waves and breathing during sleep. Symptoms of sleep paralysis stop within a few minutes and don’t cause any lasting effects. But the experience can be frightening. Sleep paralysis only requires treatment when the person also has signs of narcolepsy. When your symptoms interfere with your life, never hesitate to seek professional help.