Sleep/dreams odd experiences.

[solvitquick]

We have a friend who is concerned about occasionly waking and finding herself totally paralysed, unable to move or cry for help. Apparently she fights her way out of it by, she says, shere fighting to move etc., after wich she is lathered in sweat but fears the next time she might not be able to fight back and will die "in her sleep"
I once relaxed her when she had an occasional a big bang in the head. I explained I and many if not all people had this (called "explosive head syndrome"). She knows about the very common "falling feeling" we all get.
Unfortunately in this case of "paralysis" I cannot lie to her and say "oh I've had that" as I haven't. If I could print out replies from this site as evidence it was somewhat common she could be more relaxed. I suspect it's cos she's still half asleep but thinks she is truly awake.
IF ANYONE KNOWS THE EXPERIENCE OR CAN QUOTE A LITERATURE REFERENCE TO IT I AND SHE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL. p.s. I have not promised her to research it or give an answer.

[LazyGun]

Nocturnal paralysis is a well documented condition, if rare.

You may find the link below of use;

http://www.medlink.com/medlinkcontent.asp

I think it is regarded as a normal, natural phenomenon for the body to be paralysed whilst sleeping - this to prevent accidents through rolling out of bed, etc. Nocturnal paralysis, often accompanied by anxiety, happens when people wake but the paralysis persists.

Another possibly useful link for you;
http://serendip.brynm...du/exchange/node/1740

[China Doll]

I get it occasionally. First few times were terrifying. Read up a bit about it and now if it happens I just lie there and tell myself that my body is struggling to wake up but it will wake up and to remain calm etc.... easy for me to say I know but it can be done. Usually once you know whats happening then things are easier to deal with and all that malarky.

[joko]

many people get it occasionally - sleep paralysis is totally normal - its what stops us acting out our dreams in full

some people manage to 'semi' wake up and though not fully awake they think they are - may think eyes are open and looking around the room etc so they panic because they cant move.

she needs to learn thatwhen it happens she is fine and her body is still asleep and to either just go bakc to sleep or just try to wake properly - its nothing to worry about

[wolf63]

I suffer from this more when I am stressed or anxious about 'stuff'. It is made worse in that it seems that whatever you think is happening seems to occur over a long length of time - but may actually just be seconds.

[venator]

When I was quite young, I was convinced that I was able to fly when going off to sleep. I.ve just looked this up, and find it's related to sleep paralysis, somehow!

http://www.telegraph....y-be-a-paralysis.html

[Smowball]

Ive had this, though not for a long long time. Its actually pretty frightening but totally harmless

[venator]

I trust this admission will not find its way back to the Apotheosis thread, or I may have to sic the trolls on to you!

[ummmm]

Truly terrifying.

[solvitquick]

Aaaw thanks folks it seems I can reassure our friend but will keep lines open till I complete the bibliography before phoning and sending her the sensible replies. Even I was worried about her experiences. It sort of seem to fit in with the use of low-level Curare during certain medical operations as even under anaesthetic the muscles can still move away from an attempted incision etc.

[solvitquick]

Correction to typo above: for "seem to fit" please read "seems to fit". This train of thought came to me from LazyGun's answer.
Thank you for your first answer venator but I am too thick to understand your comment re: Apeothosis Thread or sic trolls on me?
EVERYONE PLEASE REST ASSURED THAT EVEN YOUR SCREEN-NAMES WILL GO NO FURTHER THAN ME.

[EvianBaby]

We were talking about this at work a few days ago. One of the guys gets this from time to time.

He wakes up and can't move a muscle. Totally paralized. He's not some wimpy little guy that gets scared of his own shadow, he never lets anything bother him but he said when this happens it does scare him. We looked up reasons as to why it happens but none really seemed to apply to him so it's just a case of just because. But it can obviously happen to anyone.

[solvitquick]

Dear Friends thank you for your well-informed answers. I shall abstract these into one document numbered in order of replies. My female partner will phone her and hand over to me. I will then tell our friend the written details will be with her very soon. I am sure this will relax her and abolish her worries. If she says "oh but they are only the survivors stories", (pmsl), I can withdraw honourably. She's a bit like that, preferring worry to relaxation! But it will definitely help her.
Regarding BEST ANSWER - terribly difficult as you have all been so helpful but have chosen LazyGun who wins by a whisker. Ty all xxx.