What are the features of sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is characterized by a recurrent inability to move the trunk and extremities either at sleep onset or upon awakening from sleep.
Eye movements and respiratory effort are not impaired. Each episode lasts seconds to a few minutes and typically resolves spontaneously.
The episodes cause clinically significant distress including either bedtime anxiety or fear of sleep. Sleep paralysis is seen in patients with narcolepsy but is not necessary for the diagnosis of either type of narcolepsy.
Sleep paralysis can occur in normal individuals.
Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep-wake schedules have been identified as predisposing factors to episodes of sleep paralysis.
The disturbance is not better explained by another sleep disorder (especially narcolepsy), psychiatric disorder, medical condition, sleep deprivation, or medication or substance use.
