What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a temporary state where you’re fully awake and aware, but your body is frozen — quite literally stuck between sleep and wakefulness. It usually happens just as you’re waking up or, less commonly, as you’re falling asleep.

The experience can be unsettling: you might open your eyes and see your bedroom clearly, but you can’t move your arms, legs, or even your mouth. Many people also report hallucinations — such as seeing shadowy figures, hearing strange noises, or feeling a heavy pressure on their chest. It’s no wonder some cultures have dubbed it things like “the dead rising.”

Why Does It Happen?

The explanation is actually pretty straightforward: during REM (Rapid Eye Movement