Is this sleep paralysis?

Question

Hello,

I get this maybe once every week or so where as I am falling asleep I can't move or feel my body and I also can't breathe. It feels as if something sucked all the energy out of me. I can feel the numbness take over my body. It is very scary because you cannot take a breath while this happens.

It takes a lot of mental effort to come out of it (usually I can within 15 seconds), but I have to concentrate on waking myself up!!!! It's a very strange thing that I cannot explain. It's like I have to retake control of my brain!

While this happens I am fully awake and can see the room around me, just can't move.

I feel one day I might not be able to wake up before I suffocate. I just saw one doctor, she said it could just be anxiety, but I'm not buying it. Unfortunately, my health coverage doesn't start until July so I can't even go for a sleep study yet.

I've had this for about 5 months now. I was hoping others could shed some insight on this. Thank You much! -Adam

What can i do if I currently do not have health coverage?

Answer 1

This may sound crazy but look up Sylvia Browne. She is a world renowned psychic and best selling author who really puts what you are going throung into perspective, which is actually fairly common. Her books go into great detail about what you are going through (I let a friend borrow mine or I would explain more) or she is on Montell Williams on Wednesdays. Again, I know this may sound crazy but I think if you take my advice it will help you out a lot.

Answer 2

Sleep paralysis usually happens after you've fallen asleep. It means that something is wrong with the sequence of how you fall asleep. It sounds scary but if it's really sleep paralysis it wouldn't affect your ability to breathe. There is also sleep apnea, but this doesn't sound like it. Frankly, your ability to breathe comes from the deepest, oldest part of your brain, so it's pretty impossible for your breathing to stop just because you're falling asleep. After all, even people with almost no brain function often can still breathe. I would suggest some positive affirmations twice a day, when you go to sleep but also when you wake up (as reinforcement). Mentally say, "Tonight I will fall asleep easily and sleep well." Try reading "Cybernetics" by Dr. Maxwell for more information, and definitely schedule that sleep clinic. It's possible the local college or medical center might study you for free or at low cost, even without insurance.

Answer 3

I have the same thing. It's a very weird and scary feeling. I can't move or scream, I am breathing though, I can only move my eyes and I see the room as well. I just try to relax my mind and not freak out. I say wake up, wake up and I do. I have not had that in a while, but I used to have it all the time. No idea what it is but personally don't think it's anything serious. When I have told people about this, they look at me like I'm crazy, I'm glad I'm not the only one with it, whatever it is. Just remember to relax when it is happening.
As far as not having insurance, and you really want it checked, ask the doctors office if you can make payments.

Answer 4

this may be the start of s/p it does sound like it.
these episodes will become more and more terrifying as the next steps progress you may start to have very real hallucinations.
if you learn to control them you can create an out of body experience as i have but you must put fear aside while you are in this state and it can become very enlightening and fantastic.
if you want to stop this try not sleeping on your back and not being sleep deprived
also google s/p and you will be suprised how many people suffer the same disorder.
but i will tell you its not a disorder
there is something bigger to this
i look at it as a gift
good luck

Answer 5

I have the problem, when I'm experiencing a nightmare, and trying to scream, and cant. What you're experiencing sounds more serious. I suggest you get booked in to a sleep studies clinic to be monitered, so they can make sure you're OK.

Answer 6

No, don't get brushed off like that, sounds like something that better not wait. Get another opinion now.

Answer 7

Simple answer - yes it is.