Sleep Paralysis: An Overlooked Phenomenon
Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College February 24, 2025 Ambreen Kalam, Fazal Ameen Habib
A systematic review of 35 empirical studies (N=36,533 subjects) found that 7.6% of the general population experienced at least one sleep paralysis episode over their lifetime, with higher rates in students (28.3%) and psychiatric patients (31.9%). Sleep paralysis is an inability to move at sleep onset or upon awakening, often accompanied by hallucinations. It can be isolated, familial, or part of narcolepsy. Prevalence estimates range from 1.7% to 40% in the general population, peaking in the thirties. Associated factors include PTSD, narcolepsy, panic attacks, sleep deprivation, fatigue, and stress.