Why do I sometimes wake up feeling paralyzed?

Question

When I take naps during the day, I sometimes will wake up with this feeling of being paralyzed which frightens me so much. It's like my body does not respond to my brain wanting to wake up. I find that the only way to end it is to start breathing really hard until the breathing causes my chest to expand and my body to sort of "snap" out of it. It is extremely scary and I just want to know if this is something supernatural or is there some scientific reason for this. I want it to stop!

Answer 1

sleep paralysis can be terrifying.but will cause no harm.
your brain has "woke up"but hasn't told your body yet.your body is still asleep.
the only sense working at this time is your sense of hearing,
if you try not too panic and relax your mind, you may be able to hear the folds of skin at the back of your palate(at either side of your epiglottis- the bit that dangles) vibrating. its sounds a bit like purring. there must be a reason for this purring,but i cannot think of any apart from that it may be some sort of primeval function. anyway, if you hear it then you know you are breathing. so no need to worry bout it.

when you nap during the day you tend to go into a deep sleep for a short period. subconsciously you know you have to wake up soon. this may be why your mind wakes up and your body doesn't,but it will of its own accord.

Answer 2

It's normal.

During sleep, the brain effectively shuts down it's capacity for voluntary movement to keep the sleeper from thrashing around and acting out during normal REM sleep. This is probably an evolutionary development to keep us from hurting ourselves and not give away our location to nocturnal predators.

Usually, in moving between sleep and normal consciousness (waking up), the brain and body have their act together and you can move concurrent with self awareness. With sleep paralysis, the brain hasn't gotten around to turning on the part of the brain that controls movement yet.

It's not uncommon and occurs most often when the person (you) is suffering something like jet lag, or is outside their normal sleep pattern. This would fit in with your nap scenario.

Answer 3

I think this is something that you need to bring up with your physcian. My mother has MS, and little things like that would happen to her in the beginning. I don't think this is necessarily psychological. Speak with your doctor. It could be serious...

...Then again it could be nothing at all.

Answer 4

Don't feel bad or scared it has been happening to me for years and yes it is called sleep paralysis and it is harm less but yes it is scary but you will be okay........

Answer 5

its very common ,its called sleep paralysis and is harmless