Brief Answer:
Narcolepsy is a diagnosis to consider as well as seizure disorder

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon.

The description of your sleeping experience is that of some form of what we generically refer to as a PARASOMNIA.

The difficulty with awakening even though it seemed you were awake is very similar to the type of complaints have when suffering from SLEEP PARALYSIS which is often seen in NARCOLEPSY. Your inability to "get up" even though you feel as if you're awake is referred to as SLEEP PARALYSIS.

Another possibility to consider might be that of some type of seizure disorder occurring at night which could be a form of complex partial seizure though this is less likely based upon your age of 41 (assuming none of these symptoms ever happened before).

Now, since you've had these symptoms in the the past I suggest you get an examination from a qualified NEUROLOGIST who can send you for BOTH an EEG (electrical study of the brain) and SLEEP STUDY looking for a parasomnia such as narcolepsy. The neurologist will also wish to perform an imaging study such as MRI of the brain...or depending on what else is discovered on the history and physical..maybe even a PET or SPECT scan if seizure is suspected.

If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating if you feel so inclined? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. I'm very interested in knowing how things evolve for you- especially if you get any testing done so drop me a line please and I'm hoping all the best for you.

This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

---