For many, bedtime is the most precious moment of the day: a time to disconnect from stress, forget worries and allow the body and mind to recharge.
However, rest is not always easy to come by. Disrupted or difficult sleep can affect our mood, lead to insomnia, and harm our overall health.
The mystery of sleep paralysis
Among the various sleep disorders that intrigue us, sleep paralysis is one of the most unsettling. Known in some cultures as “waking the dead,” this condition is characterized by a temporary inability to move or speak immediately after waking. The person remains fully conscious—eyes open and aware of their surroundings—but completely immobilized, often gripped by intense fear and a feeling of helplessness.
The scientific explanation
Despite its strange appearance, sleep paralysis has a clear scientific explanation. It occurs when certain parts of the brain activate before the body’s motor functions. In other words, the brain is awake, but the body is still in a deep sleep. This discrepancy creates the terrifying sensation of being trapped inside one’s own body.
Many people also report very clear hallucinations during these episodes: seeing figures in the room, hearing voices or feeling pressure on the chest, which only amplifies the panic.
What are the causes of sleep paralysis?
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Experts link this phenomenon to stress, exhaustion, depression, and chronic anxiety. These factors disrupt sleep cycles and increase the likelihood of an attack. For those who experience it, the first attack can be particularly frightening: a sudden and inexplicable paralysis, as if an invisible force had immobilized them.
