diff --git a/code/modules/ninja/martial_art.dm b/code/modules/ninja/martial_art.dm
index 796b343864a..7b230c1e011 100644
--- a/code/modules/ninja/martial_art.dm
+++ b/code/modules/ninja/martial_art.dm
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@
 
 		A << "<span class='warning'>You feel [D] go limp in your grip.</span>"
 		D << "<span class='userdanger'>You feel your consciousness slip away as [A] strangles you!</span>"
-		D.sleeping += 20
+		D.AdjustParalysis(20)
 
 		has_choke_hold = 0