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What Causes Feeling Of Body Paralysis While Asleep?
Hi there, a few times over the last month or so I have experienced a strange feeling while sleeping. I have woke up from a sleep paralysed, unable to move or speak. Sometimes I have been able to open my eyes sometimes I havent. I have been aware of my surroundings and on a few occasions I have heard my flat mates whole conversation. Its took what seems a lifetime (which I am sure is only a few minutes) to come around - when I have finally come around (being able to move) it ha left me a bit scared with a very uneasy feeling. On one occassion I really thought someone else was in my room, I was lying on my front and felt extreem pressure on my back. It doesnt happen all the time, maybe 5 times in the last 7 weeks but I really dread to think it will happen again. Any explanation or advice on how to prevent this will be much appreciated. I am 29 and fairly healthy - except for smoking.
Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Hello,
Welcome to health care magic.
I am Dr Alok Sinha, MD Psychiatry from India. I can understand your concern. I will try my best to answer your query.
I have carefully read your question.
The condition you are describing is Sleep paralysis. It is a kind of sleep disorder. For understanding this problem you have to understand the physiology of sleep. Let me tell in brief.
A complete sleep cycle has two stages:-
1. NREM (Non Rapid eye movement) sleep:- It is the first stage of sleep, which accounts for initial 75 minutes.
2. REM (Rapid eye movement) sleep:- It is the second stage which occurs for later 25 minutes. During REM our body is generally relaxed and flaccid.
The above mentioned two cycles are repeated multiple times during night.
If a person suddenly wakes up during REM phase he can not move his body because muscles are totally flaccid and they can not contract. This generates a lot of anxiety (fear of stroke). This is a temporary situation and soon within minutes the body recovers and muscles gain power.
The same has happened with you. Then the question arises- can it be stopped. This is very much needed in your case as you have suffered multiple times with this and now you have anticipatory anxiety of having same experience again. The answer is yes. This sudden awakening can be prevented with some medicines.
I suggest you to consult a psychiatrist who may prescribe you some medicine like melatonin, ramelteon or clonazepam etc for some time to cure this illness.
I hope it answers your query. All the best.
Welcome to health care magic.
I am Dr Alok Sinha, MD Psychiatry from India. I can understand your concern. I will try my best to answer your query.
I have carefully read your question.
The condition you are describing is Sleep paralysis. It is a kind of sleep disorder. For understanding this problem you have to understand the physiology of sleep. Let me tell in brief.
A complete sleep cycle has two stages:-
1. NREM (Non Rapid eye movement) sleep:- It is the first stage of sleep, which accounts for initial 75 minutes.
2. REM (Rapid eye movement) sleep:- It is the second stage which occurs for later 25 minutes. During REM our body is generally relaxed and flaccid.
The above mentioned two cycles are repeated multiple times during night.
If a person suddenly wakes up during REM phase he can not move his body because muscles are totally flaccid and they can not contract. This generates a lot of anxiety (fear of stroke). This is a temporary situation and soon within minutes the body recovers and muscles gain power.
The same has happened with you. Then the question arises- can it be stopped. This is very much needed in your case as you have suffered multiple times with this and now you have anticipatory anxiety of having same experience again. The answer is yes. This sudden awakening can be prevented with some medicines.
I suggest you to consult a psychiatrist who may prescribe you some medicine like melatonin, ramelteon or clonazepam etc for some time to cure this illness.
I hope it answers your query. All the best.
I find this answer helpful
We understand your concern.
Symptoms explained by you are similar to sleep paralysis.Sleep paralysis is characterized by inability to move limb when awake associated with terrible hallucinations.It usually happens because of erratic sleep schedules,excessive stress, excessive use of stimulants like caffeine, nicotine etc.
Polysamnography is used to confirm the diagnosis.
SSRI's and TCA's are used for treatment.By following sleep hygiene you can reduce such episodes.Sleep hygiene includes reducing stimulant intake, regular waking up time, using bed only to sleep, keeping the room calm for sleeping etc.
Hope the answer has helped you.
Symptoms explained by you are similar to sleep paralysis.Sleep paralysis is characterized by inability to move limb when awake associated with terrible hallucinations.It usually happens because of erratic sleep schedules,excessive stress, excessive use of stimulants like caffeine, nicotine etc.
Polysamnography is used to confirm the diagnosis.
SSRI's and TCA's are used for treatment.By following sleep hygiene you can reduce such episodes.Sleep hygiene includes reducing stimulant intake, regular waking up time, using bed only to sleep, keeping the room calm for sleeping etc.
Hope the answer has helped you.
I find this answer helpful
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