Isolated sleep paralysis
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Isolated sleep paralysis. This is the absence of voluntary motor activity at sleep onset or ending. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Clinical features
- This is the absence of voluntary motor activity at sleep onset or ending
- It is caused by the intrusion of REM sleep into wakefulness
- It occurs in full consciousness
- The subject is unable to speak or move
- Breathing is preserved
- It resolves spontaneously or on being touched or spoken to
Associated symptoms
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Triggers
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Associated disorders
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Treatment
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References
- Fleetham JA, Fleming JA. Parasomnias. CMAJ 2014; 186:E273-E280.
- Sharpless BA. A clinician's guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:1761-1767.
- Derry CP, Duncan JS, Berkovic SF. Paroxysmal motor disorders of sleep: the clinical spectrum and differentiation from epilepsy. Epilepsia 2006; 47:1775-1791.
- Sawant NS, Parkar SR, Tambe R. Isolated sleep paralysis. Indian J Psychiatry 2005; 47:238-240.
