Is this a heart problem?

I'm a smoker, who usually smoke 15 cigarettes a day. I'm 31, and am not diabetic, or have any major prob, except a history of stomach ulcer. Now, here is my prob. This is not regular, it has happened many times in past 3 years. When I'm on my bed trying to sleep (and this happens when I'm tensed and only happens when I sleep facing up) and when I just slip into sleep, somewhere between consciousness and sleep, I suddenly feel blood gushing into my head. As in all of a sudden, in 1 or 2 seconds, I feel my head heavy, and my whole body, each and every part of it, is difficult to move. I can't even open my eyes, though I'm fully conscious by then. It will be so, for some 10-15 seconds, till I move my body. It is not painful, and the first few seconds of it, I enjoy thinking its kind of transcendental experience. But then it will get scary, I will feel if Im not trying to come out of it, I'll die at that moment. I've to try very very very hard to move my hand or shake my head, but when I move my hand or body and try to move myself things become completely normal in another 5 seconds. I write this now because, just now, I had the most bizarre experience of this kind. This was the strongest of it all. And after I came out of it, I checked my face in the mirror, and my eyes were red, and I still kind of have a heavy head. I feel my face is slightly swollen, and there is a slight pressure inside my head, though nothing is visible. (and slight pain too - this is the first time I get pain.) Is this a real problem? Should I go and check? I don't even know which specialist I should see. Can someone here help me, please..

[ChatterAlly]

What you are describing sounds like sleep paralysis, and it is very scary.  It has happened to me on several occasions. I will be there awake and unable to move.  And I feel as though I will stop breathing if I don't move.  There are many different reasons for sleep paralysis. Sleeping face up is known as the supine position and can be a trigger for sleep paralysis. Also stress and irregular sleep patterns can be a trigger.  I would certainly advise you to do a search on sleep paralysis if this continues to be a bother to you.  It is very scary, indeed.  Take care, Ally

[ChatterAlly]

What you are describing sounds like sleep paralysis, and it is very scary.  It has happened to me on several occasions. I will be there awake and unable to move.  And I feel as though I will stop breathing if I don't move.  There are many different reasons for sleep paralysis. Sleeping face up is known as the supine position and can be a trigger for sleep paralysis. Also stress and irregular sleep patterns can be a trigger.  I would certainly advise you to do a search on sleep paralysis if this continues to be a bother to you.  It is very scary, indeed.  Take care, Ally

[kiyoharasharma]

Thanks a ton..!! Just did a quick search on Sleep Paralysis.. My case is exactly the same. It IS Sleep Paralysis, I'm sure now. I have irregular sleeping habits, loads of stress, I sleep upright.. And the symptoms are just so very accurate. I wonder how I missed this so far. I was thinking its some kind of a heart disease or brain problem or something..