Awake but Unable to open eyes

Hi, I have had irregular sleep patterns for my entire life.  For at least ten years about 3-5 times a month I will be awake ,but I am unable to open my eyes or move.  This lasts about 30 seconds and the way I can open my eyes and move again is to breathe hard and rapidly. My legs are usually sore and tingly once I wake up.  Thank you for reading.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. There are many sleep associated disorders seen in clinical practice ranging from problems falling and staying asleep, problems with staying awake, problems sticking to a regular sleep schedule  and unusual behaviors during sleep. Common causes of insomnia are depression, stress, excessive noise or light, certain medicines. Problems with staying awake are hypersomnias include irregular sleep wake cycle, shift work sleep disorder. Sleep disruptive behaviors include parasomnias like sleep terrors, REM sleep behavior disorder seen in children. Other causes of sleep disruptive behavior are narcolepsy, obstructive and central sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome etc.
• Since you have tingly and sore legs, restless leg syndrome is a possibility. Polysomnography should be carried out to aid in diagnosis apart from clinical suspicion. Treatment is according to the diagnosis. Hope this helps. Take care.