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The terrors of sleep paralysis - Ami Angelowicz

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TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Imagine you’re fast asleep and then suddenly awake. You want to move but can’t, as if someone is sitting on your chest. And you can't even scream! This is sleep paralysis, a creepy but common phenomenon caused by an overlap in REM sleep and waking stages. Ami Angelowicz describes just how pervasive (but harmless) it is and introduces a cast of characters from sleep paralysis around the world.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Adam Comiskey
  • Educator Ami Angelowicz
  • Animator Rob Vaughan
  • Artist Sam Davies
  • Narrator Ami Angelowicz

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