Health Psychology Research / HPR / Online First / DOI: 10.14440/hpr.0180
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Predictive Factors and Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis Episodes among University Students in Jordan: A Cross-sectional Study

Mohammad Al-Magableh1 ,  Wanas Shtaiyat2 ,  Maram A. Alkhalidi2 ,  Ola Suleiman2 ,  Raghad S. Gharaibeh2 ,  Ayah M. Ananbeh2 ,  Ahmad Alda’as2 ,  Saba Alsmadi2*
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1 Department of Paediatrics, Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
2 Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
HPR, e81240032 https://doi.org/10.14440/hpr.0180
Submitted: 21 June 2025 | Revised: 19 September 2025 | Accepted: 24 September 2025 | Published: 17 October 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Background

Sleep paralysis (SP) is characterized by rapid eye movement, sleep atonia, brain wakefulness, and a hypervigilant state.

Objective

This study assesses the predictive factors and characteristics of SP episodes among university students.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire was administered through the university’s email to students from Jordan. It inquired about SP, sleep hygiene, and perceived stress using the Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire, the Sleep Hygiene Index, and the Higher Educational Stress Inventory, respectively. In addition, frequency and episode features were measured, and students’ demographic data were gathered.

Results

A total of 455 students were enrolled in the study. Most participants exhibited good sleep hygiene (77.6%) but also reported high stress levels. The frequency of SP episodes was associated with the duration of the episodes, prone position, and multiple sleeping disorders. In contrast, no association was found with sleep duration, sleep latency, or the presence of multiple psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion

This study is the first to examine the characteristics of SP episodes and predictive factors among university students in Jordan, highlighting the importance of recognizing factors associated with SP. This study paves the way for more extensive research on students, particularly examining the effect of stress on different aspects of their lives that could predispose them to various medical conditions, including SP.

Keywords
Jordan
Sleep paralysis
Sleep hygiene
Sleep quality
Parasomnias
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
None of the authors has any conflict of interest.
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Health Psychology Research, Electronic ISSN: 2420-8124 Published by Health Psychology Research
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