When you're asleep and it feels like something is holding you and you can't move, talk, shout or anything.?

Posted 2 months ago

Share |

Flag

TwoOfHearts

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This often happens during REM sleep and exhausten. While in REM sleep is when we dream. Our brain if you will, paralyzes the body somewhat to keep one from harming themselves during the dreaming state. During that period, one can wake into a semi-conciousness and the brain is still keeping the body from moving. Some have said that they can actually see a figure holding them down or trying to harm them. You can see and hear what is going on around you but you cannot move, speak, scream and it does indeed feel as though you are being held down, usually across the chest or throat area. This has also been talked about in ancient times. The body reacts in fear because it is aware but can't snap out of the REM sleep. I did quite a bit of research on it after having it happen during a long trip on the road. I was at a rest stop dosing when suddenly my eyes opened to a dark figure reaching in my window and choking me. I knew my son was in the back seat and my husband in the rest rooms. I tried to scream and nothing. I tried to fight back but could not move. I felt as though I couldn't breathe. I don't know the amount of time that past but finally gasping for air after what felt like forever, I began screaming at the top of my lungs as I watched this dark figure run from my window. My husband was running up to the truck as he heard me screaming. He didn't see the dark figure that I described to him. We were the only ones at the rest area. After researching I found that during this time, one can completely come out of the REM sleep and you do feel as though there was a presense there with you and some don't. It usually happens during a deep sadness, exhausten, insomnia and with sleep walkers. You can try to prepare yourself for the next event, but truly there is no preparation for this. During this period the best thing to do is to close you eyes and keep telling yourself that it will be okay and it will pass...easier said than done. I do hope this helps you as I know this can be one of the most terrifying things to happen to a person during sleep....

Posted 2 months ago

Other 8 Answers to When you're asleep and it feels like something is holding you and you can't move, talk, shout or anything.?

Shellfinder	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:49PM talk to your doctor and make sure your alright. If all is well, say a prayer during this and see what happens. Rated: +2Vote for this!
tonyt53	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:44PM It is common. You are in a period of very deep sleep, but something has disturbed you slightly. Don't worry about it. Rated: +1Vote for this!
pro0ject	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:47PM i had it a lot too.but it was like i couldn't wake up.i couldn't move i was shouting and couldn't hear my voice in a dream.now that i think of it i don't have it anymore.i don't know how but it just gone.trust your sleep to God He will give you peace. Rated: +1Vote for this!
tarquino	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:35PM It usually means you've dozed off in your gimp suit Rated: +1Vote for this!
jacqdn	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:38PM My mom had this growing up...I believe hers was called catatonic schizophrenia, but you could be just catatonic. Sometimes she was able to make a "mmmmm" sound that would get our attention to shake her awake. She said she could hear us and was aware, but couldn't get herself out of it. Rated: +1Vote for this!
StoryOfASoulmate	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 2:17PM I had that too when I was younger. It started around the age of 10 and stopped around the age of 35. I don't know if this page will help. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis Rated: +1Vote for this!
JohnDavid2	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 2:20PM It has been a longstanding problem of mine. The long and short of it is this, your body is still asleep but your brain is awake. I finally figured out to start moving a finger or I would snap out of it. Rated: +1Vote for this!
Comprehensive2	Posted Sep 18th, 2009 at 2:49PM We country folk call it a "witch is riding you" but it's a problem with the blood flow the your brain. It's the position that you sleep in. This used to happen to my mother all the time and me as well and to stop this years ago I started sleeping on my right side. I haven't had an episode in just eons so it works. You may want to discuss YOUR specific experience with a doctor but meanwhile try a new sleeping position. Rated: +1Vote for this!

1-8 of 8 Answers

Open Questions in Other

There are no open questions in this category - why not ask a question now?

Resolved Questions in Other

There are no resolved questions in this category - why not answer a question now?

Questions and Answers powered by Ask Experience Project. Get answers to questions from the world's largest collection of life experiences, and the people who have had them. A huge, friendly, and fast wiki of answered questions! This page is for providing answers to the question, When You're Asleep And It Feels Like Something Is Holding You And You Can't Move, Talk, Shout Or Anything.?

Answers to questions like When you're asleep and it feels like something is holding you and you can't move, talk, shout or anything.? are provided for entertainment purposes only. You should never use answers to questions provided here to replace professional advice, such as from a doctor or lawyer.

Anonymous & Free

to join millions in the world's largest community of life experiences

Explore first-person stories about any experience, including your own! Connect anonymously with people who understand.

↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓

Welcome to Ask Experience

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Ask Your Questions to members
who have been there and done that!
Share Your Knowledge
Learn Something New

Go Ask Experience Now!