I was wondering if anyone has experienced sleep paralysis/paralytic dreams?

I don't ever recall having them when I was younger but now I have had several. They are very frightening. While dreaming you are awake enough to realize you are indeed dreaming.

When this occurs I am aware that I am having a bad dream that I am trying to wake up from. It usually results in me crying out -- and I can hear myself -- but am still unable to wake up fully and I know this. I usually feel panicked when this is happening, and relieved when I am able to snap out of it.

I am not sure if this is what occurs when people wake up while under anesthesia, but it seems similar. You are awake, aware, but unable to move.

Your mind is aware of what's going on (I can see the room I am in and everything).

I have regular intervals of being awake nightly for several hours before I can fall back asleep. I'm not sure if this is contributing to the sleep paralysis or not.

Anyone?