Sleep paralysis may occur as the brain awakes from REM sleep, but the body does not. This may leave the person conscious, but unable to move their body.

The exact cause of the condition may not be fully understood, but many health care professionals have theories regarding the cause. The brain may paralyze muscles during sleep to prevent injuries that may result from movement during dreams.

If the patient wakes up suddenly, the brain may think the patient is still dreaming, causing the paralysis. Individuals suffering from narcolepsy, a sleep disorder in which a person may experience excessive daytime sleepiness or may fall asleep suddenly, may be more prone to developing the condition.

The two most common symptoms of sleep paralysis may be temporary paralysis and hallucinations. The patient may not be able to move any body part, but may have limited control over blinking or breathing.

Hallucinations may occur in people experiencing sleep paralysis, in which the patient may hear speaking or see images. Many patients may report feeling weight on the chest and may believe the entire experience to be very dreamlike. Symptoms may last for a few seconds to several minutes.

Treatment for sleep paralysis may be possible using certain medications. Clonazepam may be prescribed to help treat sleep paralysis. The medication may be taken shortly before bedtime.

Ritalin may be prescribed for some patients. Patients may be instructed to take the drug during the day, as it may be effective in preventing sleep paralysis in some adults. A health care professional may recommend other treatments as well.

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