About one third of adults report having had at least one episode of sleep paralysis in their life; these rates are consistent internationally.¹ Having multiple episodes of Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralyses (ISP) is much more rare, occurring in only 7- 8 percent of young adults.²

References

1. Nielson T, Zadra A, “Idiopathic Nightmares and Dream Disturbances Associated with Sleep-Wake Transitions,” in Kryger M, Roth T, Dement W (ed.), Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine (5th Edition), St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2011, pages 1106-1115.
2. Nielson T, Zadra A, “Idiopathic Nightmares and Dream Disturbances Associated with Sleep-Wake Transitions,” in Kryger M, Roth T, Dement W (ed.), Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine (5th Edition), St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2011, pages 1106-1115.