Symptoms of sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.

It occurs when the body transitions between sleep stages but the brain remains aware.

Causes include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, stress, and sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

Symptoms often include a feeling of pressure on the chest, inability to move, and hallucinations.

Episodes typically last a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Though frightening, sleep paralysis is usually harmless.