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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 134 (from laksa042)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa134.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/","crawl_time":1771981202,"first_indexed_time":1741098290,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,uoflhealth!\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/ s443","src_root_hash":"17933929321644471934","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What is Sleep Paralysis? | Louisville KY | UofL Health","meta_descriptions":["If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the Sleep Foundation."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis.\nSleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the\nSleep Foundation\n. A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations.\nIt is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with\nrapid eye movement (REM) sleep\n. If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake.\nIt is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including:\nSleep apnea\n, a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping\nNarcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day\nPost-traumatic stress disorder\n, a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience\nAnxiety disorders\n, mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life\nSleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time\nSleep paralysis can be:\nIsolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often.\nRecurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy.\nRecurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy.\nResearchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.\nMost sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them.\nSigns and Symptoms\nSigns and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include:\nBeing unable to speak or move\nFeeling helpless or panicked\nChest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up\nDifficulty breathing\nFatigue the next day\nHallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be:\nChest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating\nVestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation\nIntruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you\nFor some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day.\nI May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do?\nIf you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get:\nEstablish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends.\nDon’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy.\nGet enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis.\nAvoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed.\nMake sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place.\nAvoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime.\nTherapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help.\nUofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates\n use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see \nall locations where we offer sleep medicine services\n.\nUofL Health – Peace Hospital\n offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at \n502-451-3333\n for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options.","attrs_markdown":"**[Oracle\/Cerner Breach Substitution Notice](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/UofL-Health-Oracle-Substitute-Notice-Letter.pdf)**\n\nMenu\n\n- [Find A Provider](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/providers\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/services\/)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/)\n  - [Hospitals](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=hospitals)\n  - [Specialty Care](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=specialty-care)\n  - [Medical Centers](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=medical-centers)\n  - [Emergency Rooms](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=emergency-rooms)\n  - [Urgent Care](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=urgent-care)\n  - [Primary Care](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_location_types=primary-care)\n  - 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A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations.\n\nIt is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with [rapid eye movement (REM) sleep](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-a-rem-cycle\/). If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake.\n\nIt is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including:\n\n- [Sleep apnea](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-obstructive-sleep-apnea\/), a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping\n- Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day\n- [Post-traumatic stress disorder](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-are-the-signs-of-ptsd\/), a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience\n- [Anxiety disorders](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/anxiety-in-adults\/), mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life\n- Sleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time\n\nSleep paralysis can be:\n\n- Isolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often.\n- Recurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy.\n- Recurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy.\n\nResearchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.\n\nMost sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them.\n\n## Signs and Symptoms\nSigns and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include:\n\n- Being unable to speak or move\n- Feeling helpless or panicked\n- Chest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up\n- Difficulty breathing\n- Fatigue the next day\n\nHallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be:\n\n- Chest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating\n- Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation\n- Intruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you\n\nFor some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day.\n\n## I May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do?\nIf you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get:\n\n- Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends.\n- Don’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy.\n- Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis.\n- Avoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed.\n- Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place.\n- Avoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime.\n\nTherapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help.\n\n[UofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/services\/sleep-medicine\/treatments-services\/) use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see [all locations where we offer sleep medicine services](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_locations_by_service=2808).\n\n[UofL Health – Peace Hospital](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/peace-hospital\/) offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at [502-451-3333](tel:5024513333) for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options.\n\nTags:  [Sleep](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/?fwp_article_tag=sleep), [Sleep Apnea](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/?fwp_article_tag=sleep-apnea), [Sleep Medicine](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/?fwp_article_tag=sleep-medicine)\n\n![Image of post author](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Warren_Shaikun_M.D..jpg)\n\nArticle by: [Warren Shaikun, M.D.](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/provider\/warren-shaikun-sleep-medicine\/)\n\nAfter moving back to his hometown Louisville, Kentucky, in 2003, Warren Shaikun, M.D., provided more than 10 years of pulmonary and ICU medical care at Jewish, Norton & Clark Memorial Hospitals. About seven years ago, he joined \"Expert Sleep Medicine\"; he and partners developed an excellent outpatient Sleep Medicine practice.\n\n[All posts by Warren Shaikun, M.D.](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/?fwp_author=1188)\n\n![Close modal](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/modal-close.svg)\n\n**Share This Article**\n\n- [![Share via Facebook](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/ic-share-facebook.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/)\n- [![Share via twitter](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/ic-share-twitter.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/)\n- [![Share via LinkedIn](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/ic-share-linkedin.svg)](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/)\n- [![Share via Pinterest](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/ic-share-pinterest.svg)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/link\/?url=https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/)\n- [![Share via Email](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/ic-share-email.svg)](<mailto:?subject=What is Sleep Paralysis?&body=https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-sleep-paralysis\/>)\n\n**Or copy link**\n\nCopy\n\n[![Calendar icon that indicates scheduling an appointment](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/schedule-appt.png) Schedule an Appointment](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/appointments\/)\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/logo-white.png)](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [![facebook](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/facebook.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UofLHealth\/)\n- [![twitter](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/twitter.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/UofLHealth)\n- [![instagram](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/instagram.svg)](http:\/\/instagram.com\/uoflhealth)\n- [![tiktok](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/tiktok.svg)](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@uoflhealth)\n- [![linkedin](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/linkedin.svg)](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/uoflhealth)\n- [![youtube](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uofl-health\/img\/youtube.svg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/uoflhealth)\n\n- [Find A Provider](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/providers\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/services\/)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/)\n- [Patients and Visitors](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/)\n- [Patient Portal](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/patient-portal\/)\n- [Price Transparency](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/price-transparency\/)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/appointments\/)\n- [About UofL Health](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/about\/)\n- [Health Library](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/health-library\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/health-care-careers\/)\n- [Volunteer Information](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/about\/volunteer-information\/)\n\n- [For Health Care Professionals](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/for-health-care-professionals\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/news\/)\n- [Pay My Bill](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/patients-visitors\/pay-my-bill\/)\n- [Ways to Give](https:\/\/uoflhealthfoundation.org\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/contact\/)\n***\n© 2026 UofL Health. All Rights Reserved\n\n- [Nondiscrimination Notice](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/UofL-Health-Nondiscrimination-Notice-Draft-03012019.pdf)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/terms-of-use\/)\n- [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/UofL-Health-NPP-112019.pdf)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/UofL-Health-Code-of-Conduct-2.pdf)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/privacy-policy\/)\n\nUofL Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex (including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity and sex stereotyping) when providing or administering health-related insurance or other health-related coverage. UofL Health, Inc. is 501(c)(3) a nonprofit corporation is governed by an independent Board of Directors and is a related organization (as defined under 42 CFR 413.17) with the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine. UofL Health, Inc., on behalf of its teaching hospitals and providers, entered into academic affiliation agreement with the University of Louisville in which the University of Louisville agreed that its Health Sciences Center would be the academic partner with UofL Health, Inc. to maintain and enhance the University of Louisville’s affiliated graduate medical education as well as its research in medicine, dentistry, nursing and public health.","attrs_readable_markdown":"If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis.\n\nSleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the [Sleep Foundation](https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/parasomnias\/sleep-paralysis). A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations.\n\nIt is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with [rapid eye movement (REM) sleep](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-a-rem-cycle\/). If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake.\n\nIt is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including:\n\n- [Sleep apnea](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-is-obstructive-sleep-apnea\/), a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping\n- Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day\n- [Post-traumatic stress disorder](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/what-are-the-signs-of-ptsd\/), a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience\n- [Anxiety disorders](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/articles\/anxiety-in-adults\/), mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life\n- Sleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time\n\nSleep paralysis can be:\n\n- Isolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often.\n- Recurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy.\n- Recurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy.\n\nResearchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.\n\nMost sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them.\n\n## Signs and Symptoms\nSigns and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include:\n\n- Being unable to speak or move\n- Feeling helpless or panicked\n- Chest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up\n- Difficulty breathing\n- Fatigue the next day\n\nHallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be:\n\n- Chest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating\n- Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation\n- Intruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you\n\nFor some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day.\n\n## I May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do?\nIf you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get:\n\n- Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends.\n- Don’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy.\n- Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis.\n- Avoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed.\n- Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place.\n- Avoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime.\n\nTherapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help.\n\n[UofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/services\/sleep-medicine\/treatments-services\/) use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see [all locations where we offer sleep medicine services](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/?fwp_locations_by_service=2808).\n\n[UofL Health – Peace Hospital](https:\/\/uoflhealth.org\/locations\/peace-hospital\/) offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at [502-451-3333](tel:5024513333) for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	What is Sleep Paralysis? \| Louisville KY \| UofL Health
Meta Description	If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the Sleep Foundation.
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Boilerpipe Text	If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the Sleep Foundation . A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations. It is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep . If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake. It is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including: Sleep apnea , a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day Post-traumatic stress disorder , a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience Anxiety disorders , mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life Sleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time Sleep paralysis can be: Isolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often. Recurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy. Recurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy. Researchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. Most sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them. Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include: Being unable to speak or move Feeling helpless or panicked Chest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up Difficulty breathing Fatigue the next day Hallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be: Chest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation Intruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you For some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day. I May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do? If you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get: Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends. Don’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy. Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis. Avoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed. Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place. Avoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime. Therapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help. UofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see all locations where we offer sleep medicine services . UofL Health – Peace Hospital offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at 502-451-3333 for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options.
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What is Sleep Paralysis? [![Navigate to the previous post](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/prev-post.svg) Prev Understanding and Addressing Obesity on World Obesity Day](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/understanding-and-addressing-obesity/) March 4, 2025 # What is Sleep Paralysis? [Sleep](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/?fwp_categories=sleep) [![Navigate to the next post](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/prev-post.svg) Next How Can “Springing Forward” Affect Us?](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/how-can-springing-forward-affect-us/) ![An arrow icon that indicates sharing](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-button.png) Share This Article ![Sleep Paralysis](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sleep-Paralysis-1180x560-1.jpg) If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the [Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleep-paralysis). A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations. It is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with [rapid eye movement (REM) sleep](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-a-rem-cycle/). If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake. It is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including: - [Sleep apnea](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-obstructive-sleep-apnea/), a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping - Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day - [Post-traumatic stress disorder](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-are-the-signs-of-ptsd/), a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience - [Anxiety disorders](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/anxiety-in-adults/), mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life - Sleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time Sleep paralysis can be: - Isolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often. - Recurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy. - Recurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy. Researchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. Most sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them. ## Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include: - Being unable to speak or move - Feeling helpless or panicked - Chest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up - Difficulty breathing - Fatigue the next day Hallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be: - Chest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating - Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation - Intruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you For some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day. ## I May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do? If you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get: - Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends. - Don’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy. - Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis. - Avoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed. - Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place. - Avoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime. Therapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help. [UofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates](https://uoflhealth.org/services/sleep-medicine/treatments-services/) use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see [all locations where we offer sleep medicine services](https://uoflhealth.org/locations/?fwp_locations_by_service=2808). [UofL Health – Peace Hospital](https://uoflhealth.org/locations/peace-hospital/) offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at [502-451-3333](tel:5024513333) for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options. Tags: [Sleep](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/?fwp_article_tag=sleep), [Sleep Apnea](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/?fwp_article_tag=sleep-apnea), [Sleep Medicine](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/?fwp_article_tag=sleep-medicine) ![Image of post author](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Warren_Shaikun_M.D..jpg) Article by: [Warren Shaikun, M.D.](https://uoflhealth.org/provider/warren-shaikun-sleep-medicine/) After moving back to his hometown Louisville, Kentucky, in 2003, Warren Shaikun, M.D., provided more than 10 years of pulmonary and ICU medical care at Jewish, Norton & Clark Memorial Hospitals. About seven years ago, he joined "Expert Sleep Medicine"; he and partners developed an excellent outpatient Sleep Medicine practice. [All posts by Warren Shaikun, M.D.](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/?fwp_author=1188) ![Close modal](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/modal-close.svg) Share This Article - [![Share via Facebook](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/) - [![Share via twitter](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/) - [![Share via LinkedIn](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/) - [![Share via Pinterest](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-pinterest.svg)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/) - [![Share via Email](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/ic-share-email.svg)](<mailto:?subject=What is Sleep Paralysis?&body=https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-sleep-paralysis/>) Or copy link Copy [![Calendar icon that indicates scheduling an appointment](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/schedule-appt.png) Schedule an Appointment](https://uoflhealth.org/appointments/) [![Logo](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo-white.png)](https://uoflhealth.org/) Follow Us - [![facebook](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/UofLHealth/) - [![twitter](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/UofLHealth) - [![instagram](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/uoflhealth) - [![tiktok](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@uoflhealth) - [![linkedin](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uoflhealth) - [![youtube](https://uoflhealth.org/wp-content/themes/uofl-health/img/youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/uoflhealth) - [Find A Provider](https://uoflhealth.org/providers/) - [Services](https://uoflhealth.org/services/) - [Locations](https://uoflhealth.org/locations/) - [Patients and Visitors](https://uoflhealth.org/patients-visitors/) - [Patient Portal](https://uoflhealth.org/patients-visitors/patient-portal/) - [Price Transparency](https://uoflhealth.org/price-transparency/) - [Make an Appointment](https://uoflhealth.org/appointments/) - [About UofL Health](https://uoflhealth.org/about/) - [Health Library](https://uoflhealth.org/health-library/) - [Careers](https://uoflhealth.org/health-care-careers/) - [Volunteer Information](https://uoflhealth.org/about/volunteer-information/) - [For Health Care Professionals](https://uoflhealth.org/for-health-care-professionals/) - [News](https://uoflhealth.org/news/) - [Pay My Bill](https://uoflhealth.org/patients-visitors/pay-my-bill/) - [Ways to Give](https://uoflhealthfoundation.org/) - [Contact](https://uoflhealth.org/contact/) * © 2026 UofL Health. 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Readable Markdown	If you are ever temporarily unable to speak or move right after falling asleep or waking up, it could be an episode of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis results in an altered state of consciousness and the brief inability to control muscles, according to the [Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleep-paralysis). A sleep paralysis episode may cause you to feel like you’re suffocating or to experience hallucinations. It is believed that sleep paralysis is a form of “REM parasomnia,” which combines the state of being awake with [rapid eye movement (REM) sleep](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-a-rem-cycle/). If you ever experience sleep paralysis, you will remember the vivid images or hallucinations you may experience, along with the inability to control muscle movements, even when you’re fully awake. It is unknown why sleep paralysis occurs. However, sleep paralysis is closely linked to some mental health conditions and sleep disorders, including: - [Sleep apnea](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-is-obstructive-sleep-apnea/), a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop while sleeping - Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder preventing the brain from controlling wakefulness, causing sleep to occur without warning, even during the day - [Post-traumatic stress disorder](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/what-are-the-signs-of-ptsd/), a mental health condition that can develop from a traumatic or stressful experience - [Anxiety disorders](https://uoflhealth.org/articles/anxiety-in-adults/), mental health conditions causing fear, worry and unease that can impact everyday life - Sleep deprivation caused by restricted sleep time Sleep paralysis can be: - Isolated: You may only have one episode or have episodes every so often. - Recurrent: You may have multiple episodes over time. Recurrent sleep paralysis is linked to narcolepsy. - Recurrent and isolated: This refers to having multiple episodes of sleep paralysis over time and not having narcolepsy. Researchers estimate that around 20% of people have at least one sleep paralysis episode in their lives. Anyone at any age can suffer from sleep paralysis, but it is most likely to occur in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. Most sleep paralysis episodes last about six minutes, and episodes can typically range from just a few seconds to 20 minutes. Many episodes end spontaneously, but sometimes someone may have to awaken the person experiencing the episode by touching them or speaking to them. ## Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of sleep paralysis can include: - Being unable to speak or move - Feeling helpless or panicked - Chest pressure or pain that could feel like an external force is pressing down on your chest, preventing you from sitting up - Difficulty breathing - Fatigue the next day Hallucinations occur in 75% of episodes. They can be: - Chest pressure hallucinations, which can make you feel like you are suffocating - Vestibular-motor hallucinations, which can make you feel like you’re moving or experiencing an out-of-body sensation - Intruder hallucinations, which can make you feel like someone or something is near you and could harm you For some, sleep paralysis may be scary and cause a fear of going to bed. This can lead to fatigue and feeling sleepy during your day. ## I May Have Sleep Paralysis. What Do I Do? If you have sleep paralysis or any other sleep disorder, the best thing to do is to have proper “sleep hygiene” by taking steps to help improve the quality of sleep you get: - Establish and maintain a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including on the weekends. - Don’t go to bed unless you’re actually sleepy. - Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours for adults and nine hours for teenagers). If you don’t get enough sleep, increasing the amount of sleep you get each night can help reduce or eliminate the issue of sleep paralysis. - Avoid electronics and any non-sleep-related activities in bed. - Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and cool place. - Avoid coffee, tea, soda and any other caffeinated substances four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol four hours before bedtime. Therapy can also help you reframe your emotions and negative thoughts that you may associate with sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy can especially help. [UofL Health – Sleep Medicine and UofL Physicians – Sleep Medicine Associates](https://uoflhealth.org/services/sleep-medicine/treatments-services/) use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Click here to see [all locations where we offer sleep medicine services](https://uoflhealth.org/locations/?fwp_locations_by_service=2808). [UofL Health – Peace Hospital](https://uoflhealth.org/locations/peace-hospital/) offers cognitive behavioral therapy. Peace Hospital can be reached at [502-451-3333](tel:5024513333) for a no-cost level-of-care assessment and assistance with treatment options.
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