Sleep paralysis is fairly common: 39.1% of 350 surveyed mall visitors reported at least one lifetime episode, typically first occurring between ages 16 and 20. During episodes, 81.0% had difficulty speaking, 71.5% could not open their eyes, and 67.2% felt pressure on their chest. Many people were unaware the condition is called sleep paralysis (24.5%) or mistook it for just a dream (23.5%). Misconceptions about sleep paralysis are widespread.
About one-third of university students in Islamabad, Pakistan, had experienced sleep paralysis at least once. The most common sensation during an episode was a feeling of floating. The average age at first experience was around 10 years. Half of those affected experienced episodes while lying on their back, and a quarter had a family history of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis was significantly associated with poor sleep quality and with insomnia.