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What Causes Numbness All Over The Body While Sleeping?

Yesterday during my afternoon nap, my whole body got numb. I just couldn't move. I could hear very clearly but just could not get myself up. After a long time I tried to pull myself up by shaking my legs and finally could get back to my self. This has happened a second time. I am 34 years of age.

Could you tell me the reasons for this?
Thu, 5 Mar 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to Health Care Magic.
Thanks for posting your question on this forum.
We understand your concern.
I am Doctor Alok Sinha, MD (Psychiatry) from India.
I will try to help you.
I have gone into detail of your problem.
The problem you are suffering from is called "Sleep Paralysis". This is a very common problem suffered by many persons.
Let me explain the physiology of sleep in a simple way.
Sleep is divided into two stages:- NREM (Non rapid eye movement) stage and REM stage. NREM stage is the first stage lasting for initial 90 minutes during which the heart rate slows down, temperatures come down, respiratory rate decreases. After 90 minutes of NREM sleep, REM stage of sleep starts during which there is near total paralysis of skeletal muscles (including limb muscles). If a person suddenly awakes during REM stage of sleep, his body muscles remain in paralyzed state, as a result the person can not move his limbs and can not lift his head. This condition remains for some time and it improves gradually within next few minutes.

If it is infrequent then you should not worry, but if it is frequent and annoying then you may consult your psychiatrist/physician who may prescribe few medicines for sound sleep so as to reduce awakening at REM stage and thus to prevent sleep paralysis.

'Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help". I wish you all the best.
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What Causes Numbness All Over The Body While Sleeping?

Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic. Thanks for posting your question on this forum. We understand your concern. I am Doctor Alok Sinha, MD (Psychiatry) from India. I will try to help you. I have gone into detail of your problem. The problem you are suffering from is called Sleep Paralysis . This is a very common problem suffered by many persons. Let me explain the physiology of sleep in a simple way. Sleep is divided into two stages:- NREM (Non rapid eye movement) stage and REM stage. NREM stage is the first stage lasting for initial 90 minutes during which the heart rate slows down, temperatures come down, respiratory rate decreases. After 90 minutes of NREM sleep, REM stage of sleep starts during which there is near total paralysis of skeletal muscles (including limb muscles). If a person suddenly awakes during REM stage of sleep, his body muscles remain in paralyzed state, as a result the person can not move his limbs and can not lift his head. This condition remains for some time and it improves gradually within next few minutes. If it is infrequent then you should not worry, but if it is frequent and annoying then you may consult your psychiatrist/physician who may prescribe few medicines for sound sleep so as to reduce awakening at REM stage and thus to prevent sleep paralysis. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help . I wish you all the best.