Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: nexusparanoia on 02/11/2006 03:32:57

Title: sleep paralysis?
Post by: nexusparanoia on 02/11/2006 03:32:57
Hi.  I just joined this to ask a quesiton to the general people or those with a certain degree, but I will recognize it as a non-doctor perscribed opinion, regardless.  I am not one who ever thinks to diagnose myself.  "Oh, I totally have OCD" is actually offensive to me and i assume it is the same since I have to take Paxil to help.

But I ramble.

Over my life, I've had bouts with certain sleep disorders.  When I was little, I used to sleepwalk every night for over months at a time.  After that, I sufferend an anxiety attack upon waking up (which promted my paxil take) and to see a psych.  Things are much better [;D].

However, it's been a problem for a while where I would start to drift asleep, and before I could reach sleep, I would realize I was "inches" away from sleep.  Upon realizing this, I would try to move.  But !!  I can't.  I can open my eyes slightly, and look in a small point of view, where the colors are waves and smudged (usually the lamp in my hallway).  After about 20-30 seconds, my body will spasm and I can move (when I usually jump up).

I've also had a few instances where I would wake up at about a 75 degree angle with my legs on my bed and still unable to move greatly.  I have a VERY VERY VERY stumble control of my arms, and sometimes uncontrollable.  I remember one time I tried to call out for my mother because I had no idea what was happening, and all that would come out where the softest whispers, but I knew they were being said.  I also was unable to relax and sit down or stop, my body would not allow it until it kicked in.

I brought this up with only the guy who perscribes my medication, but should I speak to anyone who can actually do something outside a 10 minute appointment?
Title: Re: sleep paralysis?
Post by: nexusparanoia on 02/11/2006 03:37:56
correction.  a 75 degree angle east of north.
Title: Re: sleep paralysis?
Post by: science_guy on 02/11/2006 08:49:27
are you allergic to Paxil?  it may be that your body is stressed because of the Paxil, while it is stressed in a different way when you are not using it.  Many Medical conditions are related to stress, exertion, or other things of the sort.  You might want to try relaxing and taking an hour's rest around the middle of the day to decrease stress and exertion.  Im no expert, so you might want to ask sombody else, but I also might be on to somthing.  If you do try it, tell us the results.
Title: Re: sleep paralysis?
Post by: nexusparanoia on 02/11/2006 22:34:52
I'm not allergic, I've been taking it for years.  It's be very beneficial.  The whole thing about stress could be ruled out since it happened over the summer, and over the summer is the least tension buildup for a student.
Title: Re: sleep paralysis?
Post by: science_guy on 03/11/2006 15:52:29
what about overexertion?  Do you play outside much?  Work out?  Overworking yourself could be a very good explanation for your muscles locking up.  But again, I really hope that some expert, or at lease sombody who knows more than me in this field, will come to help.