Ever wake up unable to move, feeling a heavy weight on your chest or sensing someone else in the room? You’re not alone. In this episode, hosts Karolina and Lisett dive into the mysterious world of sleep paralysis with sleep expert Katrin Põld.
Together, they break down what really happens during these episodes-why your mind wakes up but your body can’t move, and why vivid hallucinations and intense fear are so common. Katrin explains the science behind sleep paralysis, from REM sleep and muscle atonia to the triggers like stress, sleep deprivation, and sleep position. They also discuss who is most at risk and share practical tips for prevention and better sleep.
Tune in for real stories, expert insights, and easy-to-understand advice that can help you face your next restless night with confidence.
If you find this episode helpful, share it with friends and check out our previous episodes on other fascinating topics!
Team members who worked on creating this episode: Anna-Liisa Schön, Estere Estella Mitule, Karolina Tupits, Lisett Aasamets, Paul Pärn, Ahsan Nazir, Robins Švarcs
Music used:
BAD WEATHER BLUES
royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music
original video:
• Bad Weather Blues - medium slow shuff...
Used sources:
Benham, G. (2022). Sleep paralysis in college students. Journal of American College Health, 70(5), 1286–1291.
Drinkwater, K. G., Denovan, A., & Dagnall, N. (2020). Lucid Dreaming, Nightmares, and Sleep Paralysis: Associations With Reality Testing Deficits and Paranormal Experience/Belief. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00471
Hlodak, J., Madarasova Geckova, A., Carnakovic, S., & Feketeova, E. (2025). What is it like to live with narcolepsy? A scoping review. Sleep and Breathing, 29(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-025-03259-6
Jalal, B., Romanelli, A., & Hinton, D. E. (2021). Sleep paralysis in Italy: Frequency, hallucinatory experiences, and other features. Transcultural Psychiatry, 58(3), 427–439. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461520909609
Jiménez-Genchi, A., Avila-Rodríguez, V. M., Sánchez-Rojas, F., Terrez, B. E. V., & Nenclares-Portocarrero, A. (2009). Sleep paralysis in adolescents: The “a dead body climbed on top of me” phenomenon in Mexico. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 63(4), 546–549. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.01984.x
Khan, A. A., Abid, A., Nawaz, M., Mohammad Makki Bakhsh, R., Riaz, M., Fayyaz, M., & Ashraf, D. A. (2024). Experiences and beliefs related to sleep paralysis among the general population of the twin cities: A cross-sectional study. Sleep Medicine, 124, 146–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2024.09.022
Mayer, G. A. (2016). Sleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives by Brian A. Sharpless and Karl Doghramji. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 30(1). https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=2fb3e9b4-fff5-38d1-9af4-3b64f17880cf
Restivo, J. (2023, October 20). Sleep paralysis: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Harvard Health.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcolepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375497
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11344621/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcolepsy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12147-narcolepsy
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/narcolepsy