something weird happened during my sleep | ExpatWoman.com
 

something weird happened during my sleep

25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:45

Yesterday I was taking an afternoon nap and after a couple hrs of sleep and when I felt like waking up I tried to open my eyes and move but I couldn't. I don't know how to explain this but I felt like I was awake but I could just not move my arms or legs or even open my eyes, but still "saw" my surrounding (if that makes sense?). I started panicking and tried to scream out but I wasn't audible. I know it sounds like I had a dream but it wasn't like that it was very different and I knew it was something that was happening in real time. This same thing happened a few weeks ago but I brushed it off even though i didn't panic so much that time. Yesterday I thought I'd never be able to wake up and was really scared.

I'm worried and want to see a doctor about this. I am kind of embarrassed because I'm not sure if this is a serious thing or something silly and if I go to a doctor they might say it was just a dream..

461
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 18:18
My brother had already died. It had actually been probably a week after he passed that I had my astral travelexperience. It was the most heartbreaking yet most memorable time with him. I begged and pleaded with him to stay, he gave me a message then left. The love was overwhelming.I did follow through with his message and spoke to his girlfriend about what he said. It's very strange because you are asleep when this happens and it's easy to call it a dream but to those of us that have this, it's not a dream. Ironically, years later my 3 yr olddaughter talked about the person in her room at night. I saw a psychic who had no idea who I was and she said that my daughter was visited very often by a tall dark handsome man who looked over her. He's the only person that fit that description. I'm patiently waiting for my mother to visit!!! C'mon Mom! PS...after reading the link I kind of want the sleep paralysis to rear it's head so I can sing or think sweet things and wake up or fall back asleep without being terrified. Great link...thanks! <em>edited by dogcatcher on 21/05/2013</em>
1443
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 14:26
Ive been Lucid dreaming since a very, very long time and I love it. I have never had sleep paralysis but here is a link to great info on the subject as it's closely tied to Lucid dreaming. [url=http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/sleep-paralysis.html'>link[/url'> Ecochic, that's a very interesting link :) Mind you not something you would wanna look at before you go to bed (little ugly fellow sat on the lady pic) ETA: Dogcatcher, just seen your post below, and wanted to say sorry to hear about your mum and brother. I have heard so many stories like yours (re: astral travel), same happened with my BIL. He had a vivid dream at the same time as his mum was having a heart attack and dying in the hospital, he was with her in his dream and she gave him a message to do something for her (which he has). <em>edited by Alismum on 20/05/2013</em>
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 12:21
Ive been Lucid dreaming since a very, very long time and I love it. I have never had sleep paralysis but here is a link to great info on the subject as it's closely tied to Lucid dreaming. [url=http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/sleep-paralysis.html'>link[/url'>
169
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 12:11
oh my goodness, this happened to me too. when I was living in the UK, some friends invited me and my husband to an old cottage in the country for a weekend. the first night I had this happen to me. I couldn't move, tried to scream to my husband but no sound would come out (we had twin beds in the room, so he wasn't right next to me). eventually it passed, but I was absolutely terrified. I felt sure it had been some spirit entering my body! Didn't help matter that the place we were staying in was kinda creepy too! It only ever happended to me that one time, but I have never forgotten it!
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 11:20
same here, I'm so surprised/relieved that so many people have this and not just me.. it was such a big part of my life when I was younger and now only happens every once in a while.. but I am intrigued by the stories of "what" you guys have seen during the episodes. for me, like I said I originally thought it was a "jinn" because I would hear whispers and laughter in my ear, felt a strong presence in the room (but not necessarily evil, more like a prankster) and could somehow sense he was communicating with me, but without words.. so it makes me wonder, is it possible that its the two combined-- the scientific explanation of sleep paralysis, but that also in this heightened state of awareness of being mentally awake while your body is still asleep, you can see / feel supernatural things that you wouldn't normally be aware of ? I wonder...
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 10:42
Thanks everyone for the replies and sharing your stories..I don't feel so alone and embarrassed anymore. I did think of the spiritual/paranormal aspect of it because I couldn't explain how I could SEE my surroundings when my eyes were closed but I guess its one of those inexplicable things eh? I don't want to think too much about it as it will only worry me so I'll just keep in mind the tongue trick if God forbid it happens again.
498
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:37
I am so glad to be reading this... at a time when my Dad was terminally ill, and I was by myself in my apartment in a different country, I had the same experience. I was, you guessed it. on my back. I had the distinct impression that someone was in my room, felt them walking towards me, and then literally sitting on top of me. I felt the pressure on my chest, I was pinned down, but what really freaked me out was that I felt as if someone was slowly, very slowly, opening my legs. I was totally freaked out because I actually thought someone was going to rape me but I couldn't open my eyes to see., not scream. I was speaking to a client of mine later that day, who happened to be a psychiatrist, and he just said it was probably a dream and shrugged it off - but it terrified me as I was so aware of my surroundings. I was shaken up for the rest of the week. I felt like an idiot telling anyone ... I have had this experience a few times, (not the rape one, but the paralised feeling) - even as a kid, and everytime it was very early in the morning, when it was almost time to wake up.
163
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 07:44
Oh my goodness, I can't believe how common this is. I've ever only had this happen to me once but I still remember it as clearly as it was last week. I remember feeling pinned down but very awake and then I saw a couple of nurses walking in my room and they were in 1930's /1940's uniform. I later found out that where I lived used to belong to the old hospital that had been next door (new houses built on the site now). It really was the strangest thing but weirdly comforting to me that it's almost common.
319
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 06:35
I used to get this a lot while I was heavily pregnant. I put it down to body exhausted , brain wide awake !! I have had it a few times since but funny as it sounds I can usually feel it coming and will force myself to move.
461
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 22:22
Thanks feefmick! Sweet dreams ladies!
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 22:16
As an aside...professionals do NOT know for sure what causes sleep paralysis. The explanation I gave earlier this evening is what they believe is the explanation but noone knows for sure. As i stated previously the explanation i gave earlier is the most credible scientific explanation but there are other beliefs around the cause and these need to be respected. Whatever it is, it is scary but there are no recorded incidents of it being dangerous and the tongue to roof of mouth often works to break the paralysis.
461
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 21:54
We all have our beliefs, some may think my experiences are a total crock but I appreciate those that think that not saying it. Sometimes we need to just say nothing as it can come across hurtful and mean. maroosh, when I've had the scary sleep issue it has always been on my back!!
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 21:38
Ok folks. We all have different beliefs.... Different religions/viewpoints need to be respected. What Maroosh describes is part of her religion so would be decent to respect it rather than mock it. The mind is powerful and if we believe in something that is doing no harm to others then all good and well..... <em>edited by Feefmick on 19/05/2013</em>
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 21:27
I don't go to bed until I have recited some specific surahs in the quran plus a few specific ayat. I do this 3 times and wipe the front of my body, and this is recommended in the Sunnah (example of the Prophet pbuh) This is to protect you from these Jinn that sit on your chest and pin you down. We are also recommended to sleep on our right side, and funnily enough that makes sense as the sleep paralysis happens when you sleep on your back. Should I end up in the situation, I know to say in my heart (can't actually say it at that time of course physically) and it will bring me out of it. I love sleeping on my back but it's risky.
461
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 21:07
Just to add my two cents. Astral travel is very different from the sleep paralysis. Astral travel is when you are somewhere else awake and can communicate and once you wake you remember. You will know this isn't a dream. I've had this happen to me when my brother died. I was with him begging him not to go. I was weeping at his feet and he said something to me then left. When I woke up I knew I was with him. People will try and convince you other wise but its very different and it is real. Sleep paralysis is very scary. I've also this happen where I'm in bed, cannot move but then my dreams start and I always think someone is breaking into my home and I can't move. I fall in and out of sleep. I love the idea of touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Haven't had one of these in awhile thank God. @alismum I also want to add that while I was on my way home to see my mother for the last time I broke down in Hong Kong. This was not my normal crying about feeling sad for her or if I would make it home in time. This was her dying and I felt it. When I landed at home I was met with sad family members who told me that she had passed away while I was in Hong Kong. We feel what we feel and again no one can tell you that's its right or wrong. You know what you know. It amazes me to hear that others have experienced this! Sleep tight ladies!! <em>edited by dogcatcher on 19/05/2013</em>
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 18:12
For those that this happens to - try taking tip of tongue to roof of mouth. Generally this tiny movement can be made and it's enough to break the paralysis. <em>edited by Feefmick on 19/05/2013</em>
1566
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 18:10
The first time this happened to me was during exams while I was at uni. I remember being semi conscious and trying very hard to wake up properly, to move and speak but couldn't. It freaked me out, 'cause I remember thinking that if I fall back asleep or don't make myself wake up, my soul would leave and I'd be gone forever...it was weird. <em>edited by Sugarbeach on 19/05/2013</em>
53
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 17:18
This happened to me during a period when my dad was terminally ill. It was terrifying and I really feel you. So if you have any major stress in your life I'm sure that could be behind it. Hope it was a one off for you xoxo
1443
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 16:54
I remember having sleep paralysis once. I went to stay with my Dad for a while whilst my mum was in hospital ( around 18 years ago) and in the early hours of the morning, I could hear what sounded like my mother frantically rattling the letter box and shouting my name through it, and I couldn't move and felt half awake but as if someone was pressing on my chest and wouldn't let me up, I remember feeling very afraid. Sadly I was awoken with news from the hospital that my mother had a devastating stroke during the early hours of the morning (around the same time as my sleep paralysis strangely), and I never got chance really to speak to her again. I often wonder if she was trying to tell me something through the airwaves. I did think it might have been a supernatural occurrence at the time, even though I'm not particularly superstitious or religious, but I did research afterwards and found a logical explanation for it. I never had another episode after this. Will remember the touching the roof of mouth with tongue if it happens again.
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 16:26
This happened to me too six years ago! I still remember it vividly as I was so freaked out by it. I couldnt even speak as well. My husband was walking around the room and I was just lying there not able to move or speak. A truly terrifying feeling. It felt as if someone was pushing me down on my chest too (I was sleeping on my back). I hope it never happens again as its a horrible feeling.
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 15:42
Hi, If it happens again the best thing is to move one tiny part of your body ie touch tongue to roof of mouth or wiggle your little finger. One can generally accomplish this and it will 'unfreeze' the rest of the body. As we go in and out of sleep we move from conscious to subconscious areas of our mind. In subconscious mind our muscles become very relaxed and can not move easily. This is what happens in each cycle of REM sleep. Sometimes our awareness returns BEFORE REM finishes and this is when we get the paralysis feeling. If an alarm were to go off or a bell to ring the paralysis would disappear. Some pyschics talk about astral travel and others talk about Jin etc but the first explanation given above has the most scientific credibility. It is very scary the first time it happens. It happened to me a lot as a teenager and then when my youngest was a baby....she wasn't a good sleeper and sometimes I would take a nap during the day and it would happen. Once I learned the tongue trick it stopped bing so scary.
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 15:05
this used to happen to me all the time when I was a teenager in my parents' house and the episodes were extremely scary, and like you laurelm and marroosh, ppl always say its a jinn or other spirit/supernatural thing. then when I moved out of the house, it almost stopped altogether, which made me believe that's what it was. only this year I heard of sleep paralysis and read the articles and realize this is probably what I have too, just never knew. I've had a few episodes again here in Dubai but a lot less scary now that I know what they are..
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 14:40
Oooh, I am sorry! I've been getting this since I was a kid (but less the older I get). It's the worst - I have trouble sleeping for a few nights after because I'm so worried it's going to happen again. It is also occasionally called "Old Hag Syndrome", especially in cases where you think you can't move because you think a supernatural something is pinning you down with its weight. This is more often the type I get (OMG the worst, onceI thought it was a banshee atop me and wailing in my ear, but it ended up being the call to prayer I was hearing, when I finally snapped out of it). Anyway, very creepy yes, but totally harmless! This is the creepiest thing I've heard..I am reading up on this phenomena and it says that since you are mentally awake you are aware of your physical surroundings ( in your case the call to prayer) but you are still in the REM state of sleep so you are also dreaming, and this causes reality and dream to merge (which explains why you thought a banshee was wailing).. Actually, (and I am not making this a religious debate, just explaining), the very words of the adhan is what Muslims are recommended to recite in our heart when having "sleep paralysis":) Friend of mine had it, she couldn't move and started panicking. It can happen to anyone, but hope it never happens to me, must be really frightening.
198
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 14:36
I have suffered from sleep paralysis for about 20 years, and it doesn't get less scary. It has been a year or so since my last attack. I have found that the majority have happened around times that I have been quite stressed or run down. They are not nice. At. All.
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 14:30
Oooh, I am sorry! I've been getting this since I was a kid (but less the older I get). It's the worst - I have trouble sleeping for a few nights after because I'm so worried it's going to happen again. It is also occasionally called "Old Hag Syndrome", especially in cases where you think you can't move because you think a supernatural something is pinning you down with its weight. This is more often the type I get (OMG the worst, onceI thought it was a banshee atop me and wailing in my ear, but it ended up being the call to prayer I was hearing, when I finally snapped out of it). Anyway, very creepy yes, but totally harmless! This is the creepiest thing I've heard..I am reading up on this phenomena and it says that since you are mentally awake you are aware of your physical surroundings ( in your case the call to prayer) but you are still in the REM state of sleep so you are also dreaming, and this causes reality and dream to merge (which explains why you thought a banshee was wailing)..
439
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 14:20
Oooh, I am sorry! I've been getting this since I was a kid (but less the older I get). It's the worst - I have trouble sleeping for a few nights after because I'm so worried it's going to happen again. It is also occasionally called "Old Hag Syndrome", especially in cases where you think you can't move because you think a supernatural something is pinning you down with its weight. This is more often the type I get (OMG the worst, onceI thought it was a banshee atop me and wailing in my ear, but it ended up being the call to prayer I was hearing, when I finally snapped out of it). Anyway, very creepy yes, but totally harmless!
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:56
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis May be reassuring you are not crazy. X Oh my gosh! That is really creepy! It says its got to do with stress and anxiety...I do have those and I get panic attacks sometimes so maybe this is why it's happening..makes sense I guess :(
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:54
I had this happen once, it wasn't nice at all. For once, Google was reassuring. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sleep-paralysis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
1692
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis May be reassuring you are not crazy. X
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:51
Rushing off on school run. Will post tonight. It is NOTHING to worry about....I can explain it all later. please do not worry....sorry, must rush!!! Oh okay well I'm kind of relieved to hear that..please let me know if you can in detail when you have time. thanks so much!
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY