Health and Disability

Here are some key points about sleep paralysis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

1. Sleep paralysis is most likely to occur during adolescence
   
   
2. It occurs more often while sleeping on the back.
   
   
3. Episodes of sleep paralysis are brief, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
   
   
4. Recurrent episodes are highly associated with narcolepsy
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5. Predisposing factors include excessive stress, jet lag, sleep deprivation and panic disorder.
   
   
6. Sleep paralysis is a fairly common sleep problem across the globe with an estimated prevalence of 5-40%.
   
   
7. It is usually accompanied by hallucinations.
   
   
8. An inability to move or speak is an essential feature.
   
   
9. Sleep paralysis can be associated with panic disorder.
   
   
10. It is not physically harmful.

11. It can be prevented.