Why is it that one can't move when they want to wake up during a bad dream?

Question

I always hear about people having had dreams and not being able to wake up as their body won't move, anyone had this too before?

Answer 1

Actually, sleep paralysis does occur at times.

The inability to move or wake up during a nightmare, however, can be combated with a very simple yet effective solution:

Wiggle your toes and fingers.

When unable to break from a dream or suffering from sleep paralysis, the greater stress brought by the panic and fear keeps the body from being able to "wake up" as well. Moving the smallest extremities, however, allows a build-up of "jolts of motion" to remind the body to wake up.

So when you are hit with a nightmare, and can't seem to move or wake-up, calm down and try wiggling your toes and fingers. Soon enough, you'd feel your whole hand and legs and be awake before you know it.

Answer 2

you do not think that you are moving but you really are