Do I have have a sleeping disorder?

Question

Sometimes when I'm asleep I get a weird feeling like my brain is being shaken and I can't wake up or move. It usually occurs when I am first falling asleep. I know in my mind that I am trying my hardest to wake up because it is a really bad feeling- but it never happens-It's scary sometimes

I also faint at times. Are these issues related?

Answer 1

I had something similar to that, i think u have sleep paralysis also known as old hag but i think u have a minor case of it

dont woorry so much about it ive had episodes for last 15 years and although its quite scary it wont do you any harm.

The experience is so frightening because the victims, although paralyzed, seem to have full use of their senses. In fact, it is often accompanied by strange smells, the sound of approaching footsteps, apparitions of weird shadows or glowing eyes, and the oppressive weight on the chest, making breathing difficult if not impossible. All of the body's senses are telling the victims that something real and unusual is happening to them. The spell is broken and the victims recover often on the point of losing consciousness. Fully awake and well, they sit up, completely baffled by what just happened to them since now the room is entirely normal.

Confronted with such a bizarre and irrational experience, it's no wonder that many victims fear that they have been attacked in their beds by some malevolent spirit, demon or, perhaps, an alien visitor.

The phenomenon occurs to both men and women of various ages and seems to happen to about 15 percent of the population at least once in a lifetime. It can occur while the victim is sleeping during the day or night, and it is a worldwide phenomenon that has been documented since ancient times.

"Episodes of paralysis can occur when the body is in any position, but happen most frequently when the sleeper is lying flat on his or her back. Intense fear is common, but sometimes other strong emotions, such as sadness or anger, are present," says Florence Cardinal in "The Terror of Sleep Paralysis."
For some, SP is often brought about by not getting enough sleep or being overtired.
Likewise, disrupted sleep schedules or circadian rhythm disturbances can produce an episode of sleep paralysis.
It is more common in people who suffer from severe anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Some research shows that SP is five times more likely to occur with people who are taking such anti-anxiety drugs as Xamax or Valium.
A study found that 35 percent of subjects with isolated sleep paralysis also report a history of wake panic attacks unrelated to the experience of paralysis.
How can you prevent sleep paralysis? According to clinical research, you may be able to minimize the episodes by following good sleep hygiene:

Answer 2

These are sometimes classed as Night terrors, where you can't tell the difference between wake and sleep yet you honestly believe you are fully awake. At times your vocal chords act paralyzed as well making screaming almost totally impossible.

These episodes very often take place during a time when the person is under stress and the body reacts in this rather odd way to the daily stressors by causing the brain to misfire and disrupt the normal pattern of sleep.

Feeling faint at times can also be a stress related affliction but it can also indicate that the body isn't receiving the nutrients necessary to carry on under normal stamina.

Both conditions should be checked out by your physician simply because there have been incidents where people who have had the night terror aspects have had other physical things taking place.

It indeed is a very scary place to be and at times you could even have a very strong sense that there is someone in the room with you who shouldn't be there...

Assess what's going on in your wakeful period, how often you are getting these episodes (both night terrors and faint feelings) and then go to see your doctor. He is the ONLY one who can make a proper assessment about these and assist you correctly.

Good luck

Answer 3

If you do have a sleep disorder its really easy to find out from a sleep disorder doctor totally pain free and you get to sleep out!!
there are many different kinds of sleep disorders and most are very easily treated. Your symptoms could be related to a sleep disorder but you cant be sure without testing.

Answer 4

You could very well have a sleeping disorder. The first part to what you said is called cataplexy. This is when you shake and can't wake up. It's possible you may also have a form of narcolepsy. I'm not sure about the faintness part, but you should see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders. They can conduct a sleep study on you and properly diagnose your conditions (if you have them).

Answer 5

I don't know about the fainting and maybe you should get that checked out.

But the other thing is sleep paralysis and is normal for everyone. When you reach the deepest form of sleep your body naturally goes into a partial paralysis to prevent you from hurting yourself while you sleep by walking around or off a cliff or hitting out in your sleep. It usually happens after you are in REM, but if it happens early or if you wake up in the middle of it it can be scary because you can't move.

Sleep paralysis can cause other strange sensations in the head and even the feeling that there is a "presence" in the room.

Answer 6

Have you had a health checkup recently? If not, it might be a good idea. You could have any number of issues from a neurological problem to low blood pressure, to a psychological disorder. Only a person trained in medicine would know for sure and be able to advise you. So I suggest that you see your doctor and tell him or her exactly what you've posted here. Good luck!

Answer 7

1st off you really need to contact your doctor..... but I am in Pharmacy Class and right now we just learned about sleep disorder medications...and different disorders.
The not being able to move part sounds like "sleep paralysis" this occurs as the peson falls asleep or immediately uopon awakening, when a person wishes to move but finds that for a brief period he or she cannot.... and believe it or not that is the 3rd symptom for Narcolepsy. I would truly contact your Dr.

Answer 8

You NEED to go see a doctor about that. It could be a mental problem, it could be a sleeping disorder, it could even be signs of somthing rare(probaly not though). Just go see a doc about that.

Good luck and i hope everything works out.

Answer 9

It could be that you suffer from mild sleep paralysis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis
I've had a few bouts of it, and have to say without question they were the scariest moments of my life. Such an overwhelming fear. I also had mild hallucinations with mine and thought people were in the room with me, surrounding the bed. But same general thing...can't move, can't fully wake up.

Although with the fainting in junction, I would recommend that you speak with a doctor.

Answer 10

I get that too about 3 times a week, it is a very unsettling feeling, I also have insomnia, issues falling asleep and issues staying asleep. My Dr says it is due to not getting into REM sleep. I faint also but that is due to low blood sugar. I would go to the Dr , medication may help. Good Luck