Sleep Apnea Support Group

I was having terrible panic attacks before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. It got so bad I was almost in a constant state of panic. Since using the CPAP I have had a few very mild panic attacks. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It is very possible you have some unresolved issues regarding your apnea. I would suggest you speak to your Dr. about it. You do not have to live this way, it can be helped.

Hi Christy,

Sleep Paralysis can happen in alot of circumstances, not just with sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

What happens is there is a lapse of time between the brain and the body. The body thinks you have already gone to sleep, so the brain sends signals for you to become immobile. This is normal, it happens to everyone so the body doesn't act out the dreams you are having. When you feel the paralysis kick in, but you aren't fully asleep it scares you into trying to wake your body back up. Trouble is, you can't get your body to move until your brain catches up with everything (or vice versa)and sends the signal to lift the paralysis.

This is not something to worry about, even if it is scary. It is just the body and brain being out of sync. Don't worry that your body will stay that way. It won't. I have had this happen many times in the last 18 years.

This can also happen when waking up. Other than meds, here are some tricks to help minimize the occurences.

It is more likely to happen if you fall asleep without meaning to. For example, if you are reading a book and drift off or if you weren't really planning to go to bed and just did anyway (like putting the children to sleep and falling asleep with them).

Try taking a relaxing warm bath or shower before you go to bed. Avoid caffeine after supper. Avoid stimulating physical exercise after supper. Try not to fall asleep on your back.

If this happens when waking up, consider setting the alarm clock rather than waking up on your own. The startle reflex tends to keep the brain and body in sync for some reason.

PS. One more thing, if you feel paralyzed when drifting off to sleep and think you are hallucinating, once again it is because your body thinks you have gone to sleep, has skipped straight to the REM cycle and has begun a dream sequence. It will all stop when you wake up. It usually doesn't take more than a minute or two for your body to figure out it's mistake. There are meds available, so don't be afraid to talk to your doc about it, if it becomes a habitual thing.

I am sorry I posted on the wrong site... oops.
My previous comments were for 'What's the matter with me...'