Sleep paralysis

[Dmogo5100]

Hi all so I've been using a Cpap for over a year and I sleep very well with it and never fall asleep without it. This morning I was laying on the couch and fell asleep without it, at one point I woke up and felt almost paralyzed, I couldn't breath my eyes felt like lead I wanted to open them but couldn't and I couldn't yell out for my husband. It lasted 4-6 seconds and went away I was then able to sit up and was scared out of my mind. Has anyone else experienced this!? Is this normal!?

Thanks!!!!

[OpalRose]

I have experienced similar, but that was before I started Cpap. I believe that are called night terrors.
It can be frightening, especially when you feel you have no control.
Google it. It is a type of sleep disorder.

Try not to nap without your Cpap!

[Dmogo5100]

Thanks opalrose... I always use the Cpap I just dozed off yesterday and I will NEVER do that again I thought I was having some sort of stroke it was the scariest thing. Ever!!!

[FrankNichols]

Thanks opalrose... I always use the Cpap I just dozed off yesterday and I will NEVER do that again I thought I was having some sort of stroke it was the scariest thing. Ever!!!

I have always understood that to result from being woken suddenly from REM sleep. As I understand it the brain secretes a chemical that induces paralysis while in REM to prevent the body from acting out the movements in our dreams. If you wake suddenly from REM the counter agent has not had time to turn off the paralysis and you are stuck for a few seconds.

Sleep Paralysis Wiki

EDIT: And I used to experience that occasionally and it was terrifying.

[stanleydean]

This explains why the respiratory therapist who delivered my first CPAP machine back in 2002 stressed that I should use it even when napping. That is the only time anyone from any DME has offered any direction or suggestion. I'm pretty sure that was the only DME in my experience that actually provided that level of expertise.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Dmogo5100,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
When I lay down, I put the mask on and use the machine, even if I’m just going to lay there, that way, if I do wind up falling asleep, I don’t have to worry about it.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and hang in there for more responses to your post.

[foss]

The therapist at my DME also advised never to sleep without my xPAP machine, not even napping. Heck, I even carry it in the car while traveling to use in case I let my wife drive.

Jeff

[Dmogo5100]

Hi Dmogo5100,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
When I lay down, I put the mask on and use the machine, even if I’m just going to lay there, that way, if I do wind up falling asleep, I don’t have to worry about it.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and hang in there for more responses to your post.

Thanks trish6

[ISnoreBadly]

Hi all so I've been using a Cpap for over a year and I sleep very well with it and never fall asleep without it. This morning I was laying on the couch and fell asleep without it, at one point I woke up and felt almost paralyzed, I couldn't breath my eyes felt like lead I wanted to open them but couldn't and I couldn't yell out for my husband. It lasted 4-6 seconds and went away I was then able to sit up and was scared out of my mind. Has anyone else experienced this!? Is this normal!?

Thanks!!!!

Sorry I'm late to this party...

I used to have sleep paralysis before I started CPAP, haven't had any incidents of it since I've been on the hose.

It's terrifying... I would wake up, usually in an uncomfortable position but was unable to move anything at all. I could feel my arm or hand or whatever was uncomfortable start to go numb, when I tried to move it it would actually start to hurt. Sometimes I'd find that I could move a part of my body very slightly, sometimes I'd be able to rock back and forth a little bit. After what seemed like hours (but was probably only a few seconds) I'd be able to move but would suddenly drop right back to sleep.

Once I was laying on my left side, my arm was across my body hanging off the side of the bed. I kept trying to move it but it wouldn't move, then suddenly I could and it flung across my body and I smacked my wife in the head. She didn't appreciate that.

I've seen people talking about how they see something in their bedroom or feel like something is sitting on their chest. I've never had that happen I think it's because I knew it was sleep paralysis and not a demon or ghost or whatever.

Now that I know about Apnea and sleep paralysis I think back to episodes I had when I was younger, more than once I woke up paralyzed and having an Alice In Wonderland syndrome episode at the same time. THAT was scary.

[Daisylouu]

I am an experiencedsleep paralysis victim. Took a long time until I had a name for the episodes I had. I still get it when using cpap, and I still get it while sleeping on my side (some feel you can't have episodes when on cpap or on side, but that is not true). I have episodes that range from brief and mild, to more in depth, lasting a longer period of time, and feeling a presence in the room, putting pressure on my body....most people can't speak, but I can moan and utter a few very strained words as I try to wake myself out of that limbo. My sleep study doctor told me it's nothing to worry about, it's when your mind and body don't wake at the same time, your mind wakes, but your body is stuck in the deep sleep when you are paralyzed. Many have success waking up by wiggling their toes, I've been able to do that too. There is a documentary about Sleep Paralysis, but I refuse to watch it, because I don't want to put things in my head that will make it worse. 99% of the time my episodes occur if I wake up early in the morning and fall back asleep.