sleep paralysis
"Sleep paralysis" is a phenomenon where an individual temporarily experiences immobility and often vivid hallucinations during the transition between sleep and wakefulness.
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Definition
B2Sleep Disorders
(medical, technical)A temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, often accompanied by hallucinations and a sense of fear.
Example
- During sleep paralysis, she felt a heavy weight on her chest and couldn't move.
- He experienced vivid hallucinations when he had sleep paralysis last night.
B2General
(common)A brief period when a person is conscious but unable to move or speak as they transition between sleep and wakefulness.
Example
- Waking up and not being able to move can be a frightening experience of sleep paralysis.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sleep paralysis":