Do I Have Sleep Paralysis?

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 sleep paralysis. During sleep paralysis a person is unable to move or speak and may be aware of what’s happening. He may also be able to remember the details of the episode after it disappears. Episodes usually end when someone touches the person, or they sometimes end on their own. When you have a disrupted sleep schedule, for example when you are working night shifts, you are more likely to develop sleep paralysis. Also, a lack of sleep is likely to increase the risk of sleep paralysis, as well as having a mental disorder such as major depression.

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.