Hi,
I have been having these attacks for several years now. They started out just little episodes but would occur multiple times in one night. But then they worsened. I feel adrenaline pulsate through my body and sometimes I shake. I wake up feeling very tired and weak and usually have a hard time falling back asleep. Just recently about 2 days ago in fact I had probably the worst attack I have ever had. I had a hard time breathing which has never happened. I can not move any of my limbs…I feel very trapped and there is no way I can get out of these “episodes” I have been to the doctor and they have no idea what it is…told me probably a panic attack, but I feel very relaxed and happy during some of these. I have had people try and wake me up because they can hear and see my struggle for breath at times and I can feel and hear them but I cannot do anything about it till the attack is gone. I just need some advice and hopefully someone can relate to me. Thanks!

Are you sleeping on your back when these episodes happen? Are you snoring? If you are, you may have sinus problems or sleep apnea. Check with an Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor. Lack of oxygen can be a contributing factor for seizures, especially if they only happen while sleeping.

Thanks for the reply. Most of the time when they happen i am sleeping on my back, but not snoring. I have had maybe one or two where i wasnt on my back and i was on my side but every other one was when i was on my back. thanks again!

Have you been to your Doctor yet about this? This could be many things, that is the best foot work you can do right now is to go to your primary doc. I wouldn't advise trying to self diagnois yourself at this time until the doc starts ruling out possibilites as to what this could be. Just be persistant to get the answers and help you need. You may need to ultimatly see a neurologist or sleep specialist. Good luck to you and many blessings!

This sounds a lot like Sleep Paralysis. Do your ears ring when you get these episodes?
I started having episodes like this about 10 years ago. I'll wake up from a dream, and my whole body is buzzing, my ears are ringing, and sometimes I have trouble breathing correctly because my chest feels like it's constricting. Most of all, I CAN'T MOVE at all. As hard as I try, I can't move until the episode passes. Someone suggested "Sleep Paralysis", so I looked it up on the internet, and it sounds very much like my episodes. For me, though, I only get these "sleep paralysis" episodes around the times when I'm getting seizures, even though nothing I've read about it suggested that sleep paralysis is related to seizures. From what I've read about it, they think it has something to do with a chemical your brain makes to keep you from sleepwalking, so if you get woken up during REM sleep and the chemical hasn't worn off yet, you won't be able to move.

Hi Mandy,
Yes you are experiencing Sleep Paralysis. I have had it since I was a kid. At first it freaked me out then I got used to it. Same as you I went to the doctor and they would say some stupid crap. I never knew what it was till I was in my late 30's and read it on the Internet. I know all to well the feeling of being trapped in concert with only the ability to think. It happens when your mind wakes up before your brain has told your body it safe wake up. Your brain paralysis your body so you don’t act out your dreams. I have had up to 7 or 8 in one night. It can be draining on your system. I don’t know if there is any way to prevent it but I will assure you that are safe and you are still breathing. All I can say it I have learnt to stay calm when it happens and by thinking about waking up I can break out of the body paralysis. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help you with.

Good luck!

Don..