My experience with sleep paralysis is becoming worse and worse. Any suggestions for prevention or calming?

Through the years, I have had occasional experiences with sleep paralysis. However, over the last few months and weeks it has become more frequent and worsened. Sleep paralysis happens either when getting ready to fall asleep or when waking from sleep. You are awake but cannot move for a period of time. I didn't know this was a condition that many people experienced until I told a relative about it over the weekend. She suggested looking it up, but the more I read, the more frightened I am. Each night I dread going to sleep because I know I will either have this experience just before drifting off, in the middle of the night, or in the morning when waking. Sometimes I try to cry out but can't, and definitely cannot move, but I can see. Sometimes I also can hear things but know they are not real (the other night heard news on the tv, but the tv was not on). If anyone has experienced this, do you know of something i can do before going to bed that might help?

I am a Christian, and pray every night before going to sleep. I am fortunate enough to not have experienced some of the heavier terrors that I have read about. Mine are more physical, as in I am physically trying to move my arms and trying to get up but can't. I also have a cat and she can see that I am going through something because she lays right beside me and is looking at me while I am trying to move.

I experience this a lot too and I've been researching it. It is really scary but I've found, for me, it is stress related. (Weights also an issue so if that's a problem for you get moving!!) Before you go to bed, try writing down everything you've been worrying about or maybe just telling yourself when you will set aside the time to think about it. Or find someone or something that relieves your stress. Some other people were saying that potassium helped them and, strangely enough, not drinking soda. I've been taking a potassium supplement but it still happens and I don't drink pop that often so I dunno if it will work. But its worth a try. Oh and I also read that people with short necks experience this a lot. One night when it happened twice in a row I tried sleeping a little more upright and I got through the night.

I hope some of that helps. I know its creepy being scared to sleep. When it does happen (and I'm not convinced someone is trying to kill me) I just keep telling myself to calm down and then it wears off. Good luck. (One more thing--Wikipedia had some interesting links about it too)

thx for the 2 pts. Talk to your doctor.

If I sleep on my back, it is a sure thing I will have sleep paralysis. Try sleeping on your stomach or best yet, on your side and see if this helps. I use to be a sufferer of sleep paralysis and yes they can be very scary. Also try not to eat anything before going to bed and also try going to bed at a reasonable hour.

Everyone has it at some point. Relax. Know that when you are experiencing it, you are in the process of waking up, and will last only a few seconds. I still refuse to sleep on my stomach as there's a chance my arms will be under me when I experience it.

I didn't know that is what the condition was called, but I have experienced it. I have had the experience that the bed is being shifted to and fro but I can't move. I am sorry that I cannot tell you what to about it. It is a truly scary and bizarre experience.

I have a sleep disorder different then you. But i Understand your plight.I have no Idea what your faith is but i started to Pray before i go to sleep. I was afraid before i am less afraid now. I know it sounds so simple but i pray: Now i lay me down to sleep i pray the LORD my soul to keep. IF id should DIE before i wake.I pray the LORD my soul TO take.I ask the lord to help me ,and others that have sleep disorders. I feel i am better 4 praying 4 others. PRAYING 4 you too. hug gs star

Some people believe that sleep paralysis is alien abduction. Ask the aliens to stop doing this to you.

I really think you need to talk to an expert in the field....I have experienced this, too, but not in a long time (30 years...) and I wonder if your fear (an understandable fear) contributes to these episodes. I also wonder if things in your life may contribute to this anxiety...are you going through a terrible divorce or other emotionally nerve wracking experience? God Bless and speaking of Him....prayer does go a long way.

that has happened to me a couple of times, one time this really wierd thing happened, i was awake couldn't move, but i distinctly remember some one opening my bedroom door and sitting on the edge of my bed... the funny thiing was that no one was home. I just went back to sleep.

If you believe in out of body experiences, when you are in that state it is apparently the easiest way to have one... I would suggest reading up on how to have one and practice having on when you are paralyzed, it will be less scary and mabe if you are able to have an OOBE (out of body experience) you'll look forward to it.

good luck

it scared me to death when it first happened to me. i have had it about 3 times total. i honestly thought i was dying. i couldnt speak and couldnt move. i thought, i am going to be leaving my body any time now. then within a minute which seemed like an eternity, i began to move. i dont understand why you have it every night. you must be doing something wrong every night without knowing what it could be. please talk to your doctor to find out the cause. your doctor might even as you to see a doctor specializing in sleep disorders. good luck. hope this helps to know that others share your fears.

there are m.d. that specialize in pulmonary,critical care,sleep disorders medicine.the sleep doctor can send you to an over-night sleep clinic where they first wire up to over 20 wires ,they monitor the room for sound,and take camera pictures of your sleep.i have had 2 over-night visits for sleep apnea,and found it no problem,and medicare paid for it.

just relaxe and tell yourself that you will be ok and wait it out. tell yourself in your mind this has happened before and you always wake up from it. trust me you will be fine. you say about being able to see. its possible you might not be experiencing sleep paralysis. you might be experiencing the begining of an out of body experience. read up about it.

i used to experience this when i was a teenager, i started sleeping on my stomach and it stopped happening.It worked,i never slept on my back again.It has been about 15 years since my last one,and i never want to have it happen again.

I have had it a couple of times before. The first time I had it I thought I was dead. But I recently heard that a cause of sleep paralysis is carbon monoxide. Some say it's demons holding you down.