Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon that occurs during the transitional stages between wakefulness and sleep, where a person may temporarily experience an inability to move or speak. During sleep paralysis, some individuals may report hallucinations and a feeling of pressure on the chest, making it difficult to breathe.
For people who experience sleep paralysis, it's essential to know that it is a natural and generally harmless occurrence. It often happens as the body transitions between different sleep stages, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In most cases, it lasts only a few seconds to a couple of minutes. During sleep paralysis, some people may find it difficult to move their entire body, including their eyelids.
If you experience sleep paralysis frequently or it becomes distressing, it's a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional who can provide advice and support. They can help you understand the underlying causes and suggest techniques to manage and potentially reduce the frequency of sleep paralysis episodes.