Omicron Covid symptom can cause 'scary' night-time experience, experts say

Sleep paralysis could be a side effect of the highly infectious Omicron variant, according to a health expert.

People who have the Covid variant can suffer symptoms including a scratchy throat, mild muscle aches, a dry cough and night sweats, research shows.

As UK cases continue to rocket, many have been reporting a new symptom of Omicron that can disrupt your sleep.

One study found a significant rise in sleep disturbances among patients in quarantine, reports Glasgow Live.

It suggests that sleep paralysis could be a side-effect of the pandemic and the changes to society that it has caused, rather than being a symptom of Covid.

Sleep paralysis can leave people unable to move or speak when waking up or falling asleep (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Sleep therapy expert Dr Kat Lederly said it could be that the virus infection itself impacts sleep regulation in the brain.

She told MailOnline: “I think it is more likely that should there be an increase in sleep paralysis, that this is due to the stress resulting from the big changes to how we go and live our lives at the moment, the uncertainty and anxiety that we are facing which are impacting on our sleep system."

The common signs of Covid are a high temperature, a new or persistent cough and loss or change in sense of taste or smell, according to the NHS.

Omicron symptoms have been noted to be different to these three classic signs and experts have described the new strain to be more mild and similar to a common cold.

It is also thought sleep paralysis could be liked to the virus itself or a side effect of increased stress caused by lifestyle changes from the pandemic.

London commuters wear face coverings to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 (AFP via Getty Images)

The heavily muted variant was first detected in November and has since emerged in at least 128 countries, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Sleep paralysis is described as as a condition that leaves people unable to move or speak when they are waking up or falling asleep.

The NHS website describes it as "terrifying" for those who experience it but adds that it is harmless and that most people will only get it once or twice in their life.

It can also occur as a feeling feel that someone is in your room or as if something is pushing you down can last up to several minutes.