Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What Are Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations?
With sleep paralysis, these hallucinations occur while you are in aparalytic statewhile transitioning from sleep to wakefulness.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
Emotional Effects
Sleep paralysis hallucinations are generally characterized by fear.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
For many, the experience is described as a"waking nightmare."
Or, you may hear what you believe to be an intruder who you are unable to fend off.
The fear is compounded by the fact that you cannot move or do anything to protect yourself.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
Rarely, some people will describe the experience as comforting.
Other Symptoms
Hallucinations are a common component of sleep paralysis but not the only one.
There are others a person will commonly experience, including:
The level of awareness during sleep paralysis varies.
Some people claim that they are completely awake and aware of their surroundings.
Others describe only partial awareness.
Can You Snap Out of Sleep Paralysis?
Generally, there is no way to stop a sleep paralysis episode when it happens.
Causes
Normally, people have a smooth transition between different phases of sleep.
But when a transition is interrupted, you might experience sleep paralysis.
This can happen either when you first fall asleep or when you’re about to wake up.
REM is the stage of sleep characterized by low muscle tone and a propensity for vivid dreams.
Other risk factors includesleep deprivationand narcolepsy.
Are Hallucinations Normal in Sleep Paralysis?
Hallucinations are common with sleep paralysis, but not everyone gets them or gets them in the same way.
Studies suggest that three out of every four people with sleep paralysis experience some form of hallucination.
By definition, sleep paralysis involveshypnopompic hallucinationsthat occur while you are waking.
However, people with sleep paralysis will experiencehypnagogic hallucinationsthat occur as they fall asleep.
The events may be episodic and “once-off,” or they may be recurrent.
Practicing goodsleep hygienemay help prevent sleep paralysis episodes.
Among some of the more helpful tips:
Can You Die From Sleep Paralysis?
It can also help to remind yourself to stay calm and think about how you are breathing.
It can be a scary feeling, but it’s usually not a sign of anything serious.
Sleep paralysis hallucinations may be preventable by maintaining a regular sleep routine.
If you experience sleep paralysis, a board-certified sleep specialist may be able to help you.
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