I woke up only half way and for some reason, I couldn't move or talk at all. I knew I was awake, but I felt ready to fall back asleep again. I tried to move my hand or talk, but couldn't. I felt like I was going to die. Then I was suddenly able to move. I don't know if I was dreaming or if it actually happened to me. Does anyone know wat happened? I'm really freaked out.
2007-06-16 15:10:38 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
So I shouldn't worry about it?
Will it eventually stop or should I see a doctor?
2007-06-16 18:36:38 · update #1
You have sleep paralysis. It's a form of paralysis that occurs when a person suddenly finds himself or herself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis is due to an ill-timed disconnection between the brain and the body.
Sleep paralysis strikes as a person is moving into or out of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the deepest part of sleep. During REM sleep the body is largely disconnected from the brain leaving the body paralyzed. Sleep paralysis is the result of premature (or persistent) mind-body disconnection as one is about to enter into (or exit from) REM sleep.
Sleep paralysis occurs most often after jet lag or periods of sleeplessness that interrupt the normal REM patterns. It occurs at all ages but is most common in teenagers. Sleep paralysis can be familial and may be genetic (inherited) in some cases.
An attack of sleep paralysis is usually harmless and self-limited. It tends to be over in a minute or two as soon as the brain and body re-establish connections and the person is able to move again. However, the memory of the terrifying sensations felt during sleep paralysis can long endure.
Hope that helped!
2007-06-16 15:20:57 · answer #1 · answered by dlzzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do that, if I take a nap in the daytime. I'm not really awake, I feel like I am trying to get up, but can't. I always thought it was because I felt guilt for taking a nap in the daytime. You are still asleep, and dreaming that you are awake. Don't worry about, it just makes it worse.
2007-06-16 22:20:15 · answer #2 · answered by Joan H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called sleep paralysis, when you come out of REM sleep but your body is still in a 'sleep' state even if you are cognizent.
Happened to me a few times as a small child... my mom who is a Jehovah's Witness told me I was being attacked by Satan and that I should pray the next time it happens. Wonderful stuff religion...
2007-06-22 17:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by Zenophobe 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called sleep paralysis and it's what prevents us from actually acting out our dreams in real life. People who walk in their sleep often have difficulties achieving sleep paralysis. It's harmless and if you give yourself enough time, you will eventually be able to move again.
2007-06-16 22:18:46 · answer #4 · answered by sonofstar 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You were either hallucinating, orr this happens alot because you must've been SO tired and in a deep sleep your nerves wouldn't respond. Well, I'm no doctor so don't take it serious lol. Was there any pain anywhere when this occured?
2007-06-16 22:20:45 · answer #5 · answered by Big A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are different levels of sleep
you went from deep sleep to awake and you left your body in dream land
2007-06-22 19:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by razorraul 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋