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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Sleep Disorders > Sleep Disorders > problem with sleep
Expert: Karel Sleis - 11/3/2009
Question
I have had this problem in the past, but not for some time. It has now started again. I am a 41 yr old female. When I lay down to go to sleep (for the night or a nap in the day..it doesn't matter)very suddenly my whole body will feel as if it is "going to sleep" (like your leg or arm would). Instantly I cannot move at all and I cannot talk. I am awake and I can hear what is going on around me. My mind is conscious and I am able to think. I always get scared and I am sure my heart races because I am scared. Sometimes I will smell something like kerosene/gasoline, but not always. It usually lasts 1 or 2 minutes at the most. It lifts as quickly as it came. Afterwards, I feel tired and in a fog for awhile. I just had one about 30 minutes ago and this time I even felt like someone was touching me..like they had their hand on my stomach. I live alone so I know that nobody was here. Fifteen yrs ago, I had these often but was never treated for anything. Over the last 15 yrs I have had them maybe once a year, if that much. What is this that I am suffering from? I have read up on sleep related panic disorder and sleep seizures; However, my symptoms match some for both disorders, but not all. Please advise.
Answer
What you are experiencing is normal natural phenomenon. Its called sleep paralysis and hypnangogic hallucinations. The mind and body are supposed to wake up and go to sleep the same time, however once in awhile there is a lapse for a second and so one is dreaming with ones eyes open dreams can be very frightening and vivid, if not dreaming, you are between awake and asleep and unable to move. Research doesnt know why we get it, if it happens very often and your daytime wakefulness is affected then it could be narcolepsy, but what you are describing is natural phenomenon. For now its normal just relax.
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