The Zen of Sleep Paralysis?

[Amelia]

Hello Geika,

The lack of masks in public is an awfully scary dream! I assume in the retreat dream we are all wearing masks?

Thanks for the reply.

Gassho,

Shade

ST

Funny enough, in the recent retreat dream I had I think I also freaked out because none of us had masks!

Gassho
Sat, lah

[Meian]

I have experienced sleep paralysis periodically for many years. For me it seems more likely to occur when I am experiencing higher levels of stress, lower quality of sleep/more insomnia, and increased anxiety levels.

My experiences of sleep paralysis are quite terrifying for me, as everything shuts down -- I can't speak, see, consciously move, and I often can't breathe. However, I often will experience my limbs "moving" (are they? I don't know) on their own, like "running in slow motion" while I am also trying to call out for help, while having no voice. Other factors happen as well, but are a bit more involved than the scope of this discussion.

This has led a neurologist to suspect that sometimes the sleep paralysis (for me) may in fact be seizures. We're not sure -- but he proceeded 'as if' to treat accordingly, and the rate of occurrence has dropped dramatically ..... although in the past few weeks the problem has started up again (cue above reasons).

A few times, I seem to recall being able to move slightly just before I felt it coming on, as sometimes I "feel" something coming -- and averting the experience -- but that is a rare luxury for me to catch. Usually I 'wake up' in the middle of it and hope and pray that I *wake up* and breathe before something major happens. I'm nearly always alone at the time ..... although one time I was not alone, my husband had fallen asleep in his chair and he never heard or saw anything happen.

I'm really glad for this discussion -- I know it's not just me, some have similar experiences as I do. It's okay if it's all vague and unknown -- not everything has an answer. My situation is under medical care. I'm not sure if there is a Zen way for me to handle my situation, but it's certainly an interesting question!

I apologize for running a bit long.

gassho, meian st lh

[Shonin]

Reading all these posts makes me feel bad for only rarely having it occur.

Meian, do you also have sleep apnea? Just curious because that alone can trigger a similar experience where I wake up gasping for air vs just the paralysis.

Dave
SAT/LAH

[Meian]

No, not usually. This only happens in connection to the sleep paralysis or seizure activity. I don't seem to experience it otherwise.

Don't feel bad. Each person has their own basket of tricks they have to live with -- we each learn to adapt in time.

Gassho, meian st lh

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