Ok, this may sound like I'm crazy but this is apparently quite common, especially amongst people who work shifts...
Since I started the course I have found that more and more often I am getting sleep paralysis. Does anyone else get it and what do you do to try and avoid it and come out of it? Sleep paralysis happens when you are just about to fall asleep or wake up. You suddenly find that you can't move, you feel your heart racing and your breathing either increases rapidly or slows down completely almost to a hault. I also got an incredibly loud ringing in my ears and can feel and hear the blood rushing in my ears and in my chest. It is absolutely terrifying and even though I know what it is, I still feel like I'm about to die. Apparently most people experience it at least once or twice, and may just think that they are dreaming, but about 5% of the population get it regularly. Some people also find that they feel a dark presence in the room, or someone sitting on their chest or trying to strangle them. They might also feel like they are floating or having an out of body experience.
I have started to get it sometimes 3 or 4 times a night, and dread going to sleep. People who work shifts are particularly vulnerable, as their sleep pattern is messed up. Lack of sleep, stress and anxiety also increase the risk, and fear of it happening makes it more likely, so it's like a vicious circle!
When it happens I desparately try and get myself out of it by trying to move my finger and poke my boyfriend, but I literally can't move anything. Does anyone else get it and how do they prevent it? I would be sooooo grateful because I am exhausted and terrified.
