Is there anyone else that suffers from sleep paralysis?
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sooz74 (
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March 25th, 2010
I recently learned about the condition Sleep Paralysis through random web surfing and was surprised to find out there is actually a diagnosis of sorts for something I have been dealing with for the past couple of years. I had always thought it was some strange thing I alone experienced and found it to be such a frightening and odd thing that I never discussed it with anyone. From what I’ve read, it seems as though people’s experiences with sleep paralysis vary rather widely. For myself, it is an inability to move or speak, though conscious, for what seems to be a couple of minutes either right after waking up or right before falling asleep. It does not occur every night, but when it does, it happens repeatedly throughout the night. It is a terrifying sensation. I try to use all my force to move or scream but am am completely unable to. A friend saw me in this state once when I had fallen asleep on the couch. When I was able to finally move and speak, she unknowingly commented that I must have been having a nightmare because I appeared to be struggling to get away from something. She was watching as I was finally able to thrust my body free of the paralyis. I often will feel it coming on when right on the brink of falling asleep or when struggling to wake up, but have no power to prevent it. Even though it is now a regular part of the periods I sleep, I feel incredible panic everytime it occurs. I understand a lack of sleep is a major factor in sleep paralysis and know I have terrible sleeping habits I should address. I am curious though about others’ experiences with sleep paralysis and if anyone has any tips around minimizing the frequency with which it occurs. Though it varies in frequency and intensity, there are times it can have quite a negative impact on my waking life.
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18 Answers
I’ve never had this happen, but we did discuss it in a Psych class that I took. It sounds like – based on the class and your description – one of the more terrifying things that can happen to an innocent sleeper, but I can’t say that it’s ever happened to me. My advice would be to try some valerian root before bed to see if that can’t help you sleep more soundly.
It is a horrible sensation – strange in a way because I am so familar with it now and know its not dangerous. Valerian root is a good idea. I used to use it years ago and it did help with both sleep and nerves. Thanks :)
YES…I have had it about 4 times in my life…it can be really scary.
Usually I feel like something is grabbing me and pulling me…Or I “wake up” and someone is in my room. and im terrified, but then i snap out of it and they are gone..
crazy stuff.
well have you ever had your legs and feet cramp up in the middle of the night? mine are like that, sort of paralyzed. not my voice though. not all the time, and this happens sometimes in the middle of the day, so i think it’s just due to the spinal fracture i had
Think it may a little different, but hey, spinal fracture? Helps me keep a better perspective around the “problems” I have to deal with! At least mine only lasts a couple of minutes!
it should be healed…...it was just a little crack in the wing of the vertebra…..but it seems to have reached my nerves or muscles or something. mine only lasts a couple of minutes too
Nerve damage can be really painful :( I don’t feel anything with my thing. Its bizarre. I try to scream but nothing comes out and try to use all my force to jolt or throw my body into movement but nothing happens. I think it may have something to do with slipping immediately into REM sleep – you have an awareness of yourself and what’s around you but are slipping into the “paralyzed” stage of sleep.
i have never heard of this before. i will say a prayer for you.
j0ey – I have read that for some people hallucinations (the presence of someone in the room or the feeling being touched) accompany sleep paralysis. I have never experienced that and, knowing how awful the feeling of paralysis alone is, can’t imagine how terrifying that would be.
You might be interested in some of the answers here. :)
Thanks so much :) I did do a search but didn’t come up with anything! I was surprised as well (and somewhat comforted to learn I wasn’t simply losing my mind!) to learn how common it is.
You didn’t quite describe it right to be sleep paralysis. Where did you read about it?
Perhaps it would help your nerves to learn that it is a perfectly normal part of human sleep experience and everyone experiences it. Just not while they are awake.
Try not to struggle with it. Tell yourself that you are OK, and you will come out of it in a couple of minutes.
thriftymaid – My understanding of it, as well as what I experience, is the inability to move and/or speak when waking up or at the onset of sleep. Some people also experience hallucinations. I have only read about it online (not all websites can be relied upon for accuracy I realize!) and, though have read quite a lot of info, it is something I have only very recently even become aware of. Have I misdiagnosed my problem? :) I can, at times, believe myself to be a little better educated on something than I actually am after time spent self-teaching online! Will admit I hope I am not completely off base as it was a relief to believe I had found info to explain my unsettling experiences and to learn it is not uncommon! Could you tell me what differs from what I described and sleep paralysis? Am I totally off?!
@sooz74 Go see a neurologist. He will have sleep studies done on you to find out what kind of episodes you are having.
Ugh, sleep studies. Pbbtth. Not fun. Useful! But not fun.
Not a bad idea – thanks :) I am also usually tired regardless of how much sleep I get and despite a pretty healthy lifestyle. That may shed some light on things. Can’t say I like the idea of being monitered while asleep though!
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