Like many other commenters, I've been dealing with sleep paralysis for some time as well, and at it's peak, on a very frequent basis (as many as 2 or 3 times per week). I've made changes to reduce some of the supposed causes, and although the frequency has seemingly lessened, I still encounter sleep paralysis on a regular basis. If you've never had the experience, feel lucky - it's very scary. Even though you're conscious enough to realize what is happening, the length of the spells varies, and as it persists longer, panic often sets in. On the off-chance that this can actually help someone, I'll share a bit about my experience, and things I've found to be helpful.<p>Personally when I "wake" to this state of paralysis, I often imagine that there are people close by, and despite trying to call out to them, I am unable. This is an incredibly frustrating feeling, but it is very important to remain calm. I find it helps to continually think about what is actually happening to you, and that it will most certainly be over in a relatively short time, no matter how long it may seem. What's most troubling though, is that it takes only the slightest touch sensation for your body to wake up. Therefore the urge is to try to move and create the sensation yourself, yet you are seemingly incapable (some people here have said they can wiggle their fingers or toes - I've never been able to). If you do this, it is very easy to let panic set in - trying desperately to move and not being able to is frightening - so again it's important to relax and not futilely struggle. In most cases it is best to just wait the scenario out. I eventually became tired of just waiting for these bouts to end though, so I went to speak to someone about it, and they actually gave me the only tip which has ever worked for me on a fairly consistent basis: rub your tongue against the roof of your mouth. The way it was explained to me was that the root location of the paralysis (in most cases) is situated such that it largely does no affect your mouth. Despite not having complete control, most subjects are still capable of moving their tongues, and the palate is filled with sensitive nerve endings. Doing this for several seconds it's usually enough of a sensation to kick-start your body into actually waking up. It's far from a perfect solution, but given the available options, it's quite effective.