To those of you who suffer from this horrible affliction...

[skull_bearer]

If you are in a situation when you have sleep paralysis (sort-of wake up and can't move, care barely breathe, and are hallucinating), I've found that something which works very well is to tense your entire body which usually brings on a narcoleptic twitch, waking you up. Then I reccomend biting your hand to keep awake until the feeling has past. Tonight was the first time I really realised what I was doing and now I know where all those marks on my hands have been coming from :)

Comments

[cousinshelley.livejournal.com]

I go through a serious bout of this at least once or twice a month, on average, and unfortunately don't know anyone else who suffers. I'll try your tricks and just deal with gnaw marks on my hand if need be, because that has to be better than that horrible feeling. I always think I must be dying and I do have the sense that something is near me and going to get me, movement in the room, etc.

Discovering exactly what this was several years ago and making myself think about that when it happens does help, but it's still just terrible.

[skull-bearer.livejournal.com]

I never get the feeling that something is in the room, but I can't move and find it very hard to breathe. I hope this can be of use, I've had it on and off for about four years and dear gods it sucks.

[foldingstar.livejournal.com]

I have this often and it is very scary. I tend to be lying on my front and the pillow is smothering my face but I just cannot move for about 30 seconds and I am struggling to breathe. Horrible experience! I will attempt to remember these tips.