I'm repeatedly suffocating against my pillow during sleep and it takes me a while to wake up and save myself!
Question: I'm repeatedly suffocating against my pillow during sleep and it takes me a while to wake up and save myself
Recently (little over a year) when i sleep on my stomach sometimes my face would press against the pillow and I can't breathe.. I realize what's happening but I'm can't move, no matter how hard i try, for several moments, which are probably shorter than they seem but I get very scared during these moments.. It also sometimes happens when I fall asleep on my arm or something and I know if i don't move it i'll get painful bedsores, but i can't move at all, it feels like I'm paralyzed.? why is this happening.? why did it only start happening recently.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
what you're experiencing is most likely a phenomena known informally as sleep paralysis.. Although I experienced it much more throughout childhood than I do now, it usually shows up during periods of high stress or anxiety.. You may not even be suffocating in real life, as I have found that a feeling that I cannot breathe because it feels like something is sitting on my chest often accompanies the other sensations.. You need to take care to reduce stress in your life as well as to try to regulate your sleep cycles as much as possible (8 hours per night, attempt to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, etc.. ).. The good news is that it isn't actually dangerous, just frightening.. Some scientists believe it may be caused by REM atonia, the natural muscle paralysis your brain places on your body to prevent self-injury during REM dreaming, simply continuing on after your brain has left the REM state.. In other words, your brain wakes up, but your body doesn't.. Hope this helps!Health Question & Answer
This may sound a bit strange and off the wall but the paralyzing effect could be from a sudden drop in your blood sugar.. You might not be a diabetic, but just the oppasite hypo glycemic.. , The body eventually kicks in a reserve and allows you to move , I also would suggest you check your home for some mold growth .. final and last, stop sleeping on your stomach.. Health Question & Answer
You may have developed sleep apnea.. That is when you are sleeping and your heart stops beating for a few seconds.. As your doctor if he feels like you should have a sleep study done just to be on the safe side, but get to your doctor as soon as you can..Health Question & Answer
dont sleep on your stomach and dont use pillows until everything has normalized again.. you have to learn how to sleep in a normal position .. are u married.? it would help to have someone sleep in the same room with you..Health Question & Answer
perhaphs u should not slp on ur stomach! And should lie on ur back or side also maybe u shold pray before slp!! Maybe u feel u can't breathe but u r and should relax in any case so that u will be able to move..Health Question & Answer
I suggest you see your doctor..Health Question & Answer