Sleep paralysis (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Isolated sleep paralysis is a type of paralysis that occurs with a sleep disorder. Sleep paralysis is the inability to perform voluntary muscle movements during sleep.

What are the symptoms of Sleep paralysis?

 * People with isolated sleep paralysis have episodes that last from a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes in which they are unable to move or speak.
 * These spells end on their own or when the person is touched or moved.
 * Rarely, the person may have dream-like sensations or hallucinations, which may be scary to them.

What causes Sleep paralysis?

 * Isolated sleep paralysis is more likely to happen during the first two hours of sleep. Not getting enough sleep or sleeping on the back may cause more frequent episodes.


 * Though this condition may occur with narcolepsy, many people who do not have narcolepsy have isolated sleep paralysis. It is common in adults and is also seen in children.


 * Most people with isolated sleep paralysis do not have any mental health problems. However, these episodes seem to occur more often in people with:
 * Anxiety disorders
 * Bipolar illness
 * Depression
 * Post traumatic stress disorder


 * Rarely, it runs in families.

Diagnosis
If you do not have other symptoms of narcolepsy, there is usually no need to perform polysomnography.

Where to find medical care for Sleep paralysis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Sleep paralysis

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000801.htm