What you probably did not know about sleep paralysis
By David Nthua, January 2, 2026Kenya is a country where myths and misconceptions have taken over, or rather, control a larger percentage, even among those who have attended school. Reason? The devil is always in the details.
Someone said to hide something in the books, and nobody will bother to know what it means.
Sleep paralysis is one of the most misunderstood topics among Kenyans. Some even link it to witchcraft, spirits, curses, or evil forces because the experience can be frightening and hard to explain.
But science and medical experts offer clearer explanations that demystify what is really going on when someone experiences sleep paralysis.
What is sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a condition in which a person is temporarily unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, even though they are fully conscious.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, this happens because the body remains in a state of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, just as the brain wakes up. This state can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
What causes it
Sleep paralysis occurs when the normal transition between sleep stages is disrupted.
During REM sleep, the muscles naturally relax and become temporarily paralysed, which prevents the body from acting out dreams.
Sleep paralysis happens when the brain wakes up before this paralysis ends, leaving the mind awake but the body still unable to move.
A study in Archives of Sleep Medicine explains that sleep paralysis is essentially a dissociation between REM sleep and wakefulness, meaning the body and brain are out of sync.
Experts note that several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis. Irregular sleep schedules, stress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety are common triggers.
According to UCLA Health specialists, symptoms are more likely when people have poor quality sleep, inconsistent sleep patterns, or high levels of stress.
Why people hallucinate or feel pressure
Many people describe feeling a presence in the room, seeing shapes, or sensing a heavy weight on their chest during sleep paralysis.
These hallucinations are real experiences during the episode, but not supernatural.
Research published in Journal of Integrative Neuroscience shows that hallucinations during sleep paralysis are likely a continuation of dream imagery from REM sleep that intrudes into wakefulness as the brain transitions between sleep stages.
Another reason hallucinations are common is that during sleep paralysis, the brain may still be partly in the dream state even after consciousness returns.
As the brain processes sensory information in this hybrid state, dreamlike visuals and sensations can blend with real stimuli, creating experiences that feel vivid and frightening.
Sleep paralysis and culture
Cultural beliefs often shape how people interpret sleep paralysis. In many parts of the world, including Africa and Asia, people have historically described the experience as a spiritual attack or witchcraft.
In folklore, this is often depicted as a creature sitting on the sleeper’s chest or blocking their ability to move.
These interpretations, while culturally meaningful, do not reflect the science behind the condition.
Is it dangerous?
Experts agree that sleep paralysis is generally benign and not dangerous. Episodes usually resolve on their own, and the condition is not a sign of serious illness.
However, if episodes are frequent, linked with other sleep problems such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy, or cause significant distress, medical advice may be necessary.