What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, talks to sleep expert Lisa Artis.

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SLEEP paralysis, known as parasomnia, is feeling conscious, but at the same time unable to move or speak, or feeling as if there is someone else in the room. It happens when a person is between the stages of wakefulness and sleep.

Most people have the condition once or twice in their life, others a few times a year, but some will experience it more frequently. The condition affects around 8% of the population.

"It affects people of all ages," Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity, says. "The body is unable to move or speak for a very short period of time, but there is a feeling of consciousness. Although it might feel like the paralysis lasts a long time, the episodes typically last only a few seconds.

"Hallucinations are the most common symptom, with some people feeling pressure or a sense of choking.