Sometimes i wake up and i can't open my eyes or move, iin?

Occasionally when I wake up(sometimes from a nightmare, sometimes not) I mentally wake up, and I know this because I can hear my fan on and my breathing and I feel air on my skin, and mentally I'm awake. But I can't move or open my eyes and usually there is a loud ringing in my ears and a strong vibration throughout my body. This usually lasts no more than 20 seconds. During this. I freak out completely, it's one of the most terrifying things ever. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

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Based on 240 votes (168 yes)
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Comments ( 17 )
  • charli.m

    Sleep paralysis. It sucks. Sleeping on your back is meant to increase the likelihood of it happening.

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  • kingofcarrotflowers

    Sleep paralysis, waking while in the remains of the hypnagogic state

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  • What these guys said ^^^

    Had it myself, and had it during what some explained was a panic attack (which terrified me extremely as it felt like I was going to die and couldn't do anything to get help).

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  • Kkoc

    Me too it used happen to me

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  • Aatmajyoti

    Yes!! This is normal and maybe it is happening because you have too many fears in your waking state... Astral project is also one reason I believe:) you have to tell yourself that it seems real but its not so no need to fear :) I think you also have trust/self-confidence issues :) you are normal and perfect the way you are :D

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  • OtherSide

    I sometimes get sleep paralysis. I've found that I can usually move my mouth enough to bite my tongue, and the pain gets me alert enough to move.

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  • delling

    It's completely normal, it's called sleep paralysis. It is, however, one of the most terrifying things that the human body can do to you on a nightly basis. If it happens too frequently, try valerian or some light sleep aid and see if that clears it up.

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  • BeautifulMind

    I've had this I've tried to cry out as it scares me and I open my mouth to scream and I never can. Sometimes I drift back to sleep and dream that I've actually gotten up and then I realize at some point that I am actually been dreaming and then I am in the position where I finally am partially again but cannot move again.

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  • Avant-Garde

    It's sleep paralysis. Some people are able to use this phenomena as a means to Astral Project.

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  • Koda

    Like Jessica said, it's probably just sleep paralysis. However this shouldn't happen often, as it can be a sign that you're sleeping in a position that is putting pressure on the nerves in your neck. I only really get it when I fall asleep in the car with my neck at a weird angle. It can be pretty scary, as sometimes you begin to panic and stop breathing for a few seconds. Make sure that your bed or pillow isn't the culprit.

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  • jessicakoh

    It's normal in sleep paralysis. You still need to talk to a doctor.

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  • i have action dreams where i cant move . i wonder if u could meditate , maybe practice till u can..anyhow i dont like it

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  • iEatZombies_

    They're right. Sleep paralyses. You see, sleep paralyses happens to everyone- in the sense that you are paralyzed during stages of sleep, especially deep sleep. This is so you don't act out your dreams while dreaming. People who sleep walk have an issue with the chemical that causes this paralyses, which could be harmful. You just happened to wake up before your body could switch gears. Not a big issue, only lasts about 15-60 seconds. Uncomfortable, certainly.

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  • EccentricWeird

    You are possessed by the spirit of an angry ancestor. I recommend spreading the ashes of palm leaves around your bed at night.

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    • Shroot

      behave Andrew

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  • GreyWulfen

    Sleep paralysis, it is not dangerous, but can be an annoyance. I'm almost sure there are measures against it.

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  • TwoThumbs

    Are you not sleeping much? This typically happens when you're not getting enough sleep at night (for several nights in a row).

    Although not dangerous in and of itself....not getting enough sleep, long term, can wreak havoc on your body and mind.

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