TED-ED: The terrors of sleep paralysis - Ami Angelowicz

Sleep paralysis is a condition where individuals wake up unable to move, often experiencing hallucinations and feelings of suffocation. Historically, it has been attributed to supernatural entities across cultures. Scientifically, it is linked to an overlap of REM sleep and wakefulness, causing muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties. While some experience it frequently, it is often a rare occurrence, not linked to actual supernatural events.

How does REM atonia contribute to the experience of sleep paralysis?

What are some common sensations reported by individuals experiencing sleep paralysis?