Hidden wave of sleep paralysis

SLEEP paralysis could be far more common than previously thought.

The condition – in which sufferers are conscious but unable to move or speak as they fall asleep and wake up – ranked third, behind insomnia and sleep apnoea, among Google searches for help with sleep problems compiled from 60 countries. It had been thought that only eight per cent of the UK population were affected.

Experts believe it can be caused by irregular sleep and stress.

Last year, a number of British sleep experts warned that the pandemic was triggering a rise in those suffering with the condition.