numbness

well i was sleeping and felt the urge to wake up i opened my eyes but couldnt move or make a sound my whole body was completely numb and i was in this state for about 20 secs.this was not the first time this happened but this was the worst occurrence. could it be exhaustion? brain problems? sleeping disorder?

[Steven Y Park, MD]

It's called sleep paralysis and it's a common condition. There are various explanations, but if it continues, you should see a sleep doctor.