Definitions for "Sleep paralysis"
waking and not being able to move for a short period of time, usually occurs out of REM (dream) sleep.
Sometimes known as REM atonia, is a motor inhibition of the legs, arms, and body of the sleeper during REM sleep. It is our own bodies security against acting out our own dreams or else we would be active throughout the night. The sleep paralysis of REM sleep does not always automatically turn off when you come out of the REM state. This is why you may wake up and not be able to move for a few seconds. It may seem a bit terrifying, but it happens to everyone during the night, and nothing bad can come of it.
the inability to move in sleep during REM sleep and when wakening from REM sleep. Narcoleptics often experience this when falling asleep.
Keywords:  paralyzed, apnea, awakens, ghost, evil
A sleep disorder (apnea) where a person half-awakens during the night feeling they are being watched, choked, pressed upon the chest, or otherwise paralyzed by an evil, invisible force attacking them. A ghost may be falsely accused of trying to harm them.