Budz08

For over the past 5-6 years I have been experiencing horrible nightmares (at least I hope they are nightmares) that occur every couple of weeks, sometimes for consecutive nights. Really they have occured at any given time, but they are usually spaced out. The scary part is that the "dream" is just me laying in bed, or wherever i am sleeping, and my surrondings are exactly as they would be if i were awake. The room I am sleeping in is the same, the sheets...everything. None of my surrondings are exhagerated. It actually feels like I am awake. I even realize what is going on.
The worst part about these "dreams" is that I can not move a muscle, only my eyes can move around. I try so hard to move any part of my body that I wake up shaking (more like I'm trying to free myself from some kind of hold), I even waking up my girlfriend. I always fall right back asleep, almost like I'm too tired to even think about staying awake and walking to get something to drink. This happens a few times in a row (3-4) and then I just sleep through the rest of the night. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever heard of anything like this before. The only thing I can think of is sleep apnea but my girlfriend tells me that I wake up shaking...not gasping for air. I would deeply appreciate any help or suggestions.

Diable

2truSoldier

I to have eposides of this disorder, it is called sleep paralysis. It occurs during REM or rapid eye movement. Sleep paralysis occurs when the brain awakes from a REM state, but the bodily paralysis persists. This leaves the person fully conscious, but unable to move. In addition, it may be accompanied by terrifying hallucinations. All or any of the following can be causes of this disorder.

Sleeping in a face upwards or supine position (this is the only time it happens to me)Irregular sleeping schedules; naps, sleeping in, sleep deprivation
Increased stress
Sudden environmental/lifestyle changes
A lucid dream that immediately precedes the episode

Clonazepam is highly effective in the treatment of sleep paralysis.

Be aware that this could be a warning sign of narcolepsy. So maybe you may want to mention this to your Doc on your next visit. Goodluck

Don't mess with US

fufu

sleep paralysis, I've had it.

I've gotten over it. When it happens, try to relax as much as possible and don't be afraid, fear is one thing that is contributing to the paralysis. It is kind of cool once you collect your mental bearings. Then just focus on your surroundings and your body.

One thing I read, which I've never used because I don't have SP anymore, is to try to focus all your consciousness on moving your big toe. Once you get that moving it becomes easier to move the rest of your body, alledgedly. Also, try not to sleep on your back as much. I believe SP happens nearly all the time when sleeping on your back.

I believe SP occurs most of the time during REM sleep cycles. Don't look at it as a negative, because you are leaps and bounds ahead of the pack if you wish to induce lucid dreaming. Also, you may have a greater talent for achieving deep meditation than most people.

fufu's 1337 Journal

Your diet will set you free.

Budz08

Thanks alot for the help, I really appreciate it. I feel a lot better now knowing that I was not just dreaming this up.

Diable

Budz08

That Clonazepam stuff seems to be no joke, the side effects seem worse than the actual sleep paralysis.

Diable

fufu

I wouldn't touch the drugs, you probably don't need them. Keep in mind SP is fairly common with children who experience night terrors which is not all that much uncommon.

Cases of narcalepsy are extremely rare.

fufu's 1337 Journal

Your diet will set you free.

Budz08

i agree..thanks again

Diable

Hoglander