Can' move, can't speak, heart races, ears ring....what could this be?

Question

for the past few years i've experience wierd things before i go to bed. It happens rarely, about once a month or two. Before i'm about to sleep i feel that my whole body becomes paralyzed where i can't move at all or even speak. My heart races real fast which scares me to death and lately i've experience a loud ring in my ears which feels like they are going to pop. Sometimes i think i dream about this happening but i can't tell at times.Does anyone know what these symptoms indicate? please let me know.

Answer 1

I agree that is *most likely* is an anxiety attack with subsequent resulting (temporary) high blood pressure based on the symptoms you give. However, you should rule out all neurological, hormonal, and cardiac disorders just in case something else IS going on here.

See your doctor for a full physical and blood work. Make sure you describe all of your symptoms (even new things that you have noticed that you think may not be related), note the time, frequency and duration of you attacks, activities, and even different foods you ate before bed. Believe it or not, some forms of "allergies" called "intolerances" can cause these symptoms in some patients. Also mention your medical history and any diseases that run in your family.

Your doctor may want to send you for an EEG and EKG. At least a good doctor should. Many times doctors will find it easier to "try" anti-anxiety medication first. I am not a fan of waiting until it is REALLY broke to fix it (especially where possible cardiac (heart) issues are concerned), but to each his own. I would rather rule things out in a case such as this.

You most likely are stressing out over the days events or worried about tomorrow when you are trying to fall asleep. You may simply need to reduce your overall anxiety through medication and/or lifestyle changes. How do you feel about your job? School? Do you use exercise as stress relief? Do you smoke or drink a lot of caffeine (not helpful for anxiety)? Have you tried yoga or deep breathing techniques?

However, it is better to be safe than sorry. See your doctor.

Answer 2

These symptoms you mention are classical signs of a Panic or Anxiety Attack:

Sweating, sweaty palms
then chills
hot flashes; feels like skin is burning off
confusion
forgetfulness
poor concentration

weird headaches, feels like head is going to explode
crying for no apparent reason
sensitive eyes
huge pupils
heart races, pounds
irregular heart beats
missed / skipped heart beats
ringing in ears

tingly feet and hands
weak / shaky
limbs feel weak; unable to move
can't speak or aphasic
scary thoughts
intense fear;fear of dying
fear of going crazy
fear of doing something stupid
feelings of hangover or a drunk feeling
restless

can't eat / poor appetite
can't sleep or sleeps too much
feeling unreal
feels like dreaming
dissociation
off balance, unsteadiness
dizziness
lightheadedness

feels tired
feels irritated, grouchy
lacks energy at all
dry mouth

chest pains,
chest tightness
feels like a brick /elephant on the chest
pains, tightness in neck, shoulders, jaw

Answer 3

Well, I'd say call 911 but if this happens monthly and has been going on for years, I guess you might be able to wait and see your doc.

Your body is like a car. It has signals to tell you when something is wrong. You get signals all the time and don't go in for a check, you could wake up dead.

Personally I would think it sounds like a panic attack, so look them up. Then try www.webmd.com and enter symptoms.

Seriously, talk to a doctor asap.

Answer 4

There is a period before we drift off to sleep called REM or rapid eye moment. The things you described are symtomatic of this. I would however get checked at the doctor to be sure youre not having mini stroke attacks.

Answer 5

Sounds like it happens when you are relaxed enough to fall asleep and you spirit is separating to go off on its nightly adventures (or dreams). It is trying to leave before you are fully asleep. You must have some great dream adventures!

Answer 6

This could also indicate high blood pressure...take your blood pressure and see if this is what it is...This is what happens to me...and it is frightening..I take a small dose of xanax when this happens, because sometimes it is an anxiety attack...