Paralyzed while sleeping

[TenEyck]

Every now and again I will feel paralyzed while im asleep I know to try and wake my self but it seems to take a couple of minutes to wake up during the attacks I have trouble breathing, and can't move I know I don't have sleep apnea.

[BSee]

I've had these for years, started when I was very young, and here recently has been happening more often. My biggest thing I have had to teach myself is to NOT panic. I had to learn to redirect my very first thought of "I can't breath!" to "calm down, your breathing, its ok" and start my trying to get a body part to move. I am fully aware during these attacks, can hear full conversations, know where I am, etc...but until someone touches me, or I move (there have been times that I actually move but dont wake up immediately) I will not be able to fully come to...

Wish there was a way to end these things quicker than they do. Mine can last for 10+ minutes at a time...anyone experience this?

[AshBunny0307]

I have sleep paralysis as well. Doctors are more than sure it is caused by anxiety or stress.
Here's what I do & it might work for you; when these paralysis episodes occur, DO NOT FORCE yourself to try to move, this just makes it harder for you to actually move. Start by trying to move your pinky, keep trying calmly...after I relax and try to move my pinky I start moving my feet and so forth. The key is to not force it. I know it's scary but it's normal, good luck!

[heyjude1]

No, it is called sleep paralysis, I have it too.  I wake up and can't move for several minutes, it's terrifying, and surprisingly it  is fairly common.  Google sleep paralysis and there is quite abit of info avail.  It's like a delayed reacation of your body vs. your brain.  Some people think demons are after them, some people feel like someone is pusing on their chest, it is scary but knowing what it is helps to fight the fright and helps you to ride out the episode.