Question
Sometimes I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep, and all of a sudden while I'm breathing a weird feeling starts in my ears. Then suddenly my whole body freezes and I can't move a muscle in my body, I can't even scream. It's a very horrible feeling. It lasts for about 15-20 seconds I think.
Answer
What you are experiencing is sleep paralysis. Usually upon awakening or falling to sleep. What happens is the brain and body are supposed to do this together but once in awhile there is a second lapse so you are awake but unable to move. This is natural phenomenon. the only time its a sleeping disorder is when it happens often and your daytime alerttness is affected. this then could be a symptom of narcolepsy. However the ringing in your ears and shortness of breath is not so much a symptom of it..Although when one is scared one could be short of breath. There is nothing to do however if when you have it you can remember to move your eyes from right to left it will break the cycle, but this is hard to remember when it happens. For now perhaps knowing its normal may help. However if it happens again and you have the ears ringing and shortness of breath I would maybe see a cardiologist for a check up. but I just think you were so scared when it happens. feel free to email again. Go to sleepnet.com click on disorders narcolepsy, and just read about sleep paralysis. karel
