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Sleep paralysis

Also called: Sleep paralysis, can't move when waking up

Being awake but briefly unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking. It can feel frightening, sometimes with a sense of someone in the room, but it's harmless and passes in seconds to minutes.

LastsSeconds to a couple of minutes
HarmfulNo
TriggersPoor sleep, stress, sleeping on your back

Overview

Your brain wakes up before the muscle relaxation of dream sleep (REM) wears off.

Frequent episodes with sudden daytime sleep attacks can be a sign of narcolepsy.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Can't move when waking up or falling asleep
  • Can't move when falling asleep or waking up

Less common

  • Scary visions or feeling a presence

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden muscle weakness when laughing or upset.
See a doctor soonEpisodes often, or with heavy daytime sleepiness.

Causes

Sleep loss, stress, shift work, and sleep disorders.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Shift work
  • Anxiety
  • Teens and young adults

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on your description.

Questions you may be asked

  • Sleep schedule, daytime sleepiness

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Sleep study: If narcolepsy is possible.

Treatment

Better sleep lowers episodes.

Self-care

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule
  • Get 7 to 9 hours
  • Try sleeping on your side
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine at night
  • During an episode, focus on moving a finger or toe

Prevention

To prevent it:

  • Regular sleep

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a sleep medicine specialist.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless and often fades with better sleep.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Could this be narcolepsy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sleep paralysis

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.