That headline is usually referring to sleep paralysis.
Sleep paralysis is a strange but relatively common phenomenon where you wake up unable to move or speak, often feeling a heavy pressure on your chest. It can last a few seconds to a couple of minutes and can be very frightening.
Typical features include:
- Being conscious but unable to move
- A feeling of being “frozen”
- Pressure on the chest or trouble breathing
- Hallucinations (seeing or sensing a presence)
- Intense fear or panic
Why it happens:
It occurs when your brain wakes up before your body does during REM sleep, when muscles are temporarily paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams.
What helps reduce it:
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule
- Reducing stress
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Getting enough sleep
Sleep paralysis is usually harmless, but frequent episodes may warrant talking to a healthcare professional.
If you want, I can also help rewrite that headline in a clearer or less scary way, or turn it into a short educational article.