Can B12 prevent sleep paralysis

[1rmarion1]

Sometimes when I'm trying to wake up - I have the frightenng experience of being awake but not able to move. I can't open my eyes - can't move - and in desparation I try to make noise (which comes out like a faint groan) in order for my husband to hear me and shake me awake. Can Vitamin b12 help prevent this experience.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Sleep paralysis is a common condition marked by the inability to move the body or limbs, either during the onset of sleep or upon waking. The actual cause of sleep paralysis is not understood. But sleep paralysis can run in families and people who have narcolepsy.

Sleep paralysis can be treated with clonazepam, Studies show that vitamin B12 improves sleep patterns but not enough evidence show prevention of sleep paralysis. Reducing stress and getting the proper amount of sleep may be beneficial. Learn to recognize your symptoms and the triggers of your sleep paralysis. Triggers could be things in your life you have no control over, like stress, environment, even your dreams. By establishing your personal triggers and working to avoid them will appreciably lessen the chance of experiencing sleep paralysis. It is best to discuss which treatment option is best for you with your doctor. This link may be helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis

Take care and keep us posted.

[FayV]

I have this too, I try and make noises but I can only make slight groan. What I do sometimes is focus hard on my arm, and if I push my mind to it enough I can start drifting back enough to change my breathing pattern and wake up.
Do you find that it only happens to you when your napping, rather than full nights sleep?

[1rmarion1]

Now that you mention it - yes I think it may happen more during long naps. I think also it also may happen more when sleeping on my back.

[1rmarion1]

I just figured out how to respond back -and wanted to thank you for your advise.

[angelc90]

I just experienced sleep paralysis this morning, for the first time. Rather unpleasant. Could it be connected to conditions such as insomnia and migraines? I'm on an anti-seizure med that works as a migraine med too (topamax), and forgot to take it last night.
I've heard that sleep paralysis can be caused by miniature seizures in the brain. All I know is, I forgot my meds, experienced sleep paralysis, and had a whomping migraine later in the day. Is there any connection I should know about? I'm thinking about rescheduling my neurology appointment so its before June...