[Breckman]

Has anyone here ever expirienced sleep paralysis? I've not had ths happened until about 2 years ago and have had 4 episodes.Not any lately.It's truly terrifying.Not sure what the underlying cause is? Anyone know?

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi Breckman

Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

I have not had this happen personally to me, but I hope that other members can come forward and offer some insight.

Take care.

[Breckman]

Hi Hooligan-I was reading some other post,looks like others have expirienced it.So they know how terrifying it is.
Regards
Jeff

[TheWell]

I have. Antidepressants can cause this. It totally freaks me out. I haven't had it happen often but I did bring it up to my doc before because it bothered me so much.

It's also called hypnogogic sleep paralysis

[Breckman]

The worst part,even more worse than being paralyzed,is the sense of a shadowy figure just outside of your peripheral vision.But there is nothing you can do,you cannot move or speak until the paralizying is over.

[Ellahmae]

Yes, I suffer from this regularly and it's an awful, awful thing to experience. I wish I could figure out a way to 'cure' it from happening! I'm sorry you have had to deal with it as well.

[wolfgaze]

It happens more frequently to individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and narcolepsy....

I believe sleep paralysis is a natural occurrence/experience. It has to do with how the body shuts down before you enter into the altered state of consciousness during the sleep/dream state. There has to be that disconnect between your mind and body so you do not act out your dreams and hurt yourself. When you transition back from the sleep/dream state - sometimes it's like your mind wakes up before the motor connections have been fully restored.

You can even induce the paralysis state simply be engaging in deep meditation/relaxation and remaining perfectly still.

I believe that your mind is still transitioning from the dream state while this is happening and you are semi-lucid / semi-awake - so when individuals experience fear in that moment, that they are likely to create frightening imagery/manifestations as a result of their emotional response. There are people who have become acclimated to sleep paralysis episodes and do not experience nor associate any fear with having them.

I've read that if you find yourself experiencing sleep paralysis, attempting to wiggle your big toe is an effective means for restoring the motor functionality within your body. No one gets 'stuck' in the paralysis state - but some individuals come out of it more quickly than others. If it happens frequently you can attempt to alter your sleeping position (sleep on your side or stomach as opposed to your back).

[Neurotic 2 the bone]

I suffered from this all the time as a child. It finally went away in my teen years. Thankfully hasn't returned.

At the time I thought I was seeing ghosts in my room, around my bed, talking to me. Truly terrifying. Not being able to move, scream, or even turn my head. Trying to open your mouth to cry for help but being unable to speak is an incredibly scary thing to go through. Felt like I was being choked or drowned.

I attribute it to stress. Growing up in a very dysfunctional household, I didn't get much sleep and would lay awake listening to fighting and screaming which led to poor sleep patterns. A lot of the shadowy ghostly figures I saw with my own eyes took on the form of family members.

With all the stress,anxiety, and depression I have as an adult I'm shocked it hasn't continued. Who knows, perhaps they really were ghosts. Whatever it is, anyone who's experienced it knows how uncomfortable and frightening it can be.

[Breckman]

I believe stress is a heavy contributor to the condition.I think lack of sleep brings it on as well.I know the times i was expiriencing it was under lots of stress and not getting much sleep.