Sleep is a physical and mental state where we pass approximately 1/3 of our lives. Normal sleep is categorized into 5 stages, and the 6th stage is considered wakefulness. In the 5 stages of sleep which occur cyclically, there are 4 stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep followed by 1 stage of rapid-eye movement sleep. During rapid-eye movement sleep, lasting the first cycle for approximately 100 minutes, our bodies enter into physical paralysis as a mechanism designed to protect ourselves and others from injury. This physical paralysis state is known as REM atonia. Sleep paralysis, in comparison, is a malfunction of this physical paralytic state, either immediately before entering, or immediately upon exit, known as hypnagogic and hypnopompic paralysis, respectively. Additionally, sleep paralysis can be accompanied by hallucinations that occur while in the intermediate conscious state preceding sleep, or hypnagogic hallucinations or in the transitionary period while waking, or hypnopompic hallucinations.

Although very little is known with respect to the actual physiology of primary sleep paralysis where it occurs alone or as of a primary concern and not attributable to other mental disorders or sleep disorders, there are several apparent factors associated as precursors to or in conjunction with sleep paralysis. Those are:
1. Alcohol and drug abuse;
2. Narcolepsy;
3. Position of sleep, specifically facing upward;
4. Sudden life and environment change;
5. Irregular schedule of sleep; and sleep deprivation, among others.

The paralysis can be very frightening to most patients that suffer. Upon review of various studies performed, it is estimated that anywhere between 40 percent of Americans will suffer from sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime, to t100 percent of Americans will suffer from sleep paralysis at least on two occasions throughout a lifetime, such episodes lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.

The treatment of sleep paralysis is not a cure and simply an attempt at the alleviation of symptoms. The drugs used to treat sleep paralysis fall into the category of tricyclic anti-depressants, more specifically, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac and Zoloft) as well as additional complimentary therapies through modification of lifestyle and the scheduling of periodic naps throughout the day among others.

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