Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis is a type of parasomnia, which refers to undesired events that take place when you are either falling asleep, in the midst of sleep, or arising from it. Specifically, this is known as a REM parasomnia - happening during a transition from or into Rapid Eye Movement sleep. While suffering from this condition, you find yourself unable to move your body at either the beginning or end stages of sleep.
As one drifts off to sleep, whether in the hypnagogic or predormital form, the body is gradually transitioning into a calmer state.
When rousing from slumber, it may be in the hypnopompic or postdormital form.
Typically, during REM sleep, your brain creates an immobilizing effect in your muscles that is known as "REM atonia" to prevent you from moving while dreaming. When this occurs just before falling asleep or while waking up, the experience is referred to as sleep paralysis. Isolated sleep paralysis is when it appears without any other signs of narcolepsy or other sleep disorders.
An episode of paralysis can render you unable to speak, move your arms and legs, body or head. Despite being immobile, you remain conscious of your environment and can still breathe normally. Generally, this condition will pass after a few seconds or minutes on its own. It may be solved by physical contact with another person or attempting to move. You may only experience sleep paralysis once in your life, or it could come up repeatedly within the same year.
It can be frightful being unable to move. Anxiety and terror may become overwhelming, and some even experience hallucinations. They may see, hear or have sensations of things that are not present. It can even seem as if someone else is in the room with them. Even without sleep paralysis, these types of hallucinations are possible.
Sleep paralysis often begins during the teenage years and can persist into adulthood. Although it may be scary, it's not a severe medical issue, and won't prevent you from getting the rest you require.
Sleep paralysis may be an indicator of narcolepsy. In addition, this disorder can manifest with excessive somnolence, fragmented rest, sleep-induced hallucinations, and cataplexy. If you are having these symptoms alongside sleep paralysis, it is best to consult a sleep specialist. Narcolepsy must be managed properly so that it does not worsen, and thus a medical professional will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and provide the necessary care.