Thanks for all your responses. It's really reassuring to be able to talk to other people who have experienced it because noone else I know knows what I'm on about and think that I am dreaming it or going completely mad. I have thought about going to my GP, but he is usually rubbish and I'm in and out in a couple of minutes. I don't know if there's anything medication wise to stop it, but maybe it's worth a try. Ollybolly, I don't know if this is what you are experiencing though, because the paralysis part is the main common symptom.... is the abnormal heartbeat present all the time or just when you're trying to sleep?

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3rd year Student Midwife