I have them too, seesaw. Sometimes as often as twice a week. Other times weeks go by without one. So I do know your pain. And no, it's NOT simple by any means to get rid of them. I physically CANNOT move, so how could I turn over? You are paralyzed in this state, so it's not possible. I try to cry out, and eventually, after a long period of desperately trying, I do start to actually cry out. It exhausts me. They are terrifying, and I don't wish them on my worst enemy.

I've also talked about them to others, and a psychiatrist, and it makes no difference in the frequency. I take an extended release form of Xanax and I find that if I miss my evening dose, I am MORE prone to have them than if I've taken the prescribed amount. So everyone is different. I used to be able to wake myself out of nightmares (not the paralysis, which are two very different things) and suddenly I cannot do that anymore. So going to sleep at night is traumatic for me, as I never know what might happen. I sympathize with you! It's out of your control and very disturbing, to say the least.