Sleep paralysis is a relatively common sleep disorder (7.6% of the population) characterized by an inability to move while senses and breathing are intact. It usually occurs on awakening or just before falling asleep, and may be associated with hallucinations or feelings of terror. This state of paralysis can last from a few seconds to several minutes. It does not represent a health hazard. The most common causes of this disorder are fatigue, stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene or major life changes.

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For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- Institut national du Sommeil et de la Vigilance website
- Morphée network website (health network dedicated to the management of chronic sleep disorders)
- The website of ANSES, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail)
- The Santé Publique France website, and its documents on sleep