Sleep Paralysis Explained
What Is Sleep Paralysis and Why Does It Feel So Creepy?
Ever wake up and realize you can’t move? Your eyes are open, you’re aware of your surroundings, but your body feels frozen—and maybe you even sense something strange in the room. That’s called sleep paralysis, and while it can feel terrifying, it’s actually more common than you might think.
What’s happening?
Sleep paralysis occurs during transitions in and out of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when your brain is active but your body is temporarily "switched off" to prevent you from acting out your dreams. Normally, you’re unconscious when this happens—but in sleep paralysis, your mind wakes up before your body catches up.
The result? You’re stuck in a surreal limbo, somewhere between dreaming and waking. Some people report hallucinations, feeling a presence in the room, or sensing an overwhelming fear. Historically, these episodes were blamed on demons, witches, or alien abductions.
The good news? It’s not dangerous. Sleep paralysis can be triggered by things like stress, poor sleep, or a messed-up sleep schedule. It usually goes away on its own.
If it happens often, try:
Sticking to a regular sleep routine
Managing stress
Avoiding screens before bed
And if it keeps happening, talk to a sleep expert—there could be an underlying issue.
Sleep paralysis may feel like a nightmare, but understanding it is the first step in taking the fear out of the experience—and taking back control of your nights.
