eli5: If people are paralyzed in their sleep, why do they roll around?

Question

eli5: If people are paralyzed in their sleep, why do they roll around?

In: 4

Answer 1

So, here’s the thing; your body and mind both should be in their sleep state simultaneously. If your body isn’t there, but your brain is, then you can move, sleepwalk, etc. However if your mind is awakened but your body hasn’t, that’s called “sleep paralysis.” Also know as a witch riding your back, devil riding your back, tons of phrases. Basically it’s when you’re awake but you just can’t move, usually accompanied by the feeling of pressure on your back or chest (hence the names).