Has anyone ever experienced "sleep paralysis"?

Yes – I’ve had this a few times and it is scary, but also quite normal. That symptoms you describe are exactly right – except sometimes I might be in a bad dream and I know I’m dreaming, desperately trying to wake myself up but I can’t. I don’t think it’s dangerous though – if that helps.

Only when one of my 115# labs gets into bed and is sleeping across my leg(s). Then it is real paralysis. Have heard of your situation, never experienced it. Grateful.

I have experienced this a few times and it’s been terrifying. Although I remember one time when I knew exactly what was going on and was able to reassure myself enough to get back to sleep – now that was freaky.

I used to experience this on a daily basis, most, my nutritionist said, was caused from stress and anxiety. Once I remedied those two issues, it stopped happening.

It happened fairly often when I was a kid. Now, I go through bouts of it periodically. The first time it happened, I thought I was dead, but then noticed I was still breathing. My response is typically panic as I’ve never gotten used to it, and I sort of will myself to move. Then I’ll jerk awake and my body is simply wrecked. It feels as though I’ve pulled a bunch of muscles, very weak, and cramping in my arms and shoulders. It’s horrible.

this has been reoccuring with me throughout my life… And quite frankly never get used to. In my case my eyes are free from the effects and many times see people around me. Very very terrifying, it too only lasts a few minutes. My experience has shown that it is at times of great fatigue and exhaustion when it occurs….. However not quite as disturbing as awakening on the ceiling, a very different topic though.

I’ve had a similar but different experience. Sometimes when I am going to sleep, I feel myself stop breathing. If I succesfully fall asleep, that’s the last I know of it but occasionally I re-awake and gasp for breath. It’s a bit un-nerving!

I have had that happen to me and I always imagine that people have broken into my house and are stealing stuff. I hear walking around and everything, but I can’t move to get up and stop them.

Yes, and it was horrible! While it was happening, I remember trying to call for help, but I couldn’t. It gave me a glimpse of what my brother must have gone through being a quadriplegic. I don’t know how he could have kept his sanity living like that for 20 years.