Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Sleep paralysisUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewSleep paralysis is the temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking. Sleep paralysis most often occurs in people who have narcolepsy or sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone.SymptomsEpisodes usually last 1 or 2 minutes but can be frightening.TreatmentsTreatment may include sleep habit improvements and medication. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use