Should I be worried about this?

Question

So every couple of nights, I lay in a pitch black room alone for a hour and try not to go to sleep. The past few times I went to sleep. But last night I did it, it was like the other times. 

30 minutes in I felt weird, I couldn't move anything but my eyes, it felt like something was forcing me down. I was calm and tried to go to sleep, I couldn't for the life of me go to sleep. So I started screaming for help but realised I couldn't speak. I had very shallow raspy breaths.

So I just waited and waited for almost 6 hours till I could move again, while I waited I kept seeing stuff like shadows and glows from nowhere. And suddenly I could remember every single moment of my life.

What happened?
Should I be worried?

soneoak · Accepted Answer

In the brain are the central nuclei, also known as the THALAMUS.

It serves to inhibit most random nerve transmission, using a bunch of cognitive circuits before permission for a signal transduction to occur from the motor cortex.

Basically, it's like a control center that is always saying "NO NO NO NO NO", until all the lights are green, then it says "Okay".

This is because we have tons of stupid signals sent all around to 'test' the networks in the brain to keep it primed and ready to work when required.

When we 'go to sleep', usually, part of the frontal cortex turn off, going into semi-lucidity. The part of the brain that remains somewhat active are the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and occipital cortices. They work to sort memories out and clear up random gunk and waste materials that the neurons build up during the day.

This usually turns off in a proper sequence where the consciousness goes, then the sensory side of things go (light, sound, touch), and then the thalamus finally goes into full NO NO NO mode, so as to suppress the visual - motor reflex, and vestibular-motor reflex pathways (basically, stuff that make you react and do stuff).

When that happens, you lay still in bed and sleep, even if you're having a nightmare and are trying to run/jump etc.

Sometimes, the part responsible for switching off your 'consciousness' and 'sensations' fail to work completely, and you go into lucidity, being awake, but with the thalamus in full suppression of your movements. You're stuck and unable to move despite being 'awake'.

It would take sufficient stimulus to 'wake' the thalamus, (a threshold that varies between people and different stages of sleep).

So yeh, you've just experienced that, pretty common. Once you get Parkinson's disease though, that would never happen to you (cos the thalamus inhibitory effects start failing).

Josue_valentine · Accepted Answer

I think you had an episode of sleep paralysis it's a sleep disorder everyone experiences it once in their life time mabey even more some have it a lot it's where you wake up in the middle of the night in able to move due to your brain releasing the chemicals that have you in able to move so you don't act out your dreams during sleep so when you wake up during this time you're half asleep half awake and you hallucinate Scarry or horrifying things only because you think the worse when this happens cause it feels weird I hope this helped out and no if this is a case of sleep paralysis is nothing to much to worry about or go to your doctor for just make sure you get enough sleep and sleep paralysis accurs more often in people who sleep lying on their back

JustStartingOutx3x3 · Accepted Answer

Ok. First off, It's called so many things, most commonly Sleep Paralyis. It has to many names to, be pinpointed exactly.

Second, It's normal. Especially If you've done this before, a simple meditation can have a great affect on relaxation, and mood. The feeling you were feeling, probably seemed like a weight, or a force on your chest. It's basically the feeling of disconnecting your mind from everything around you. It's actually kinda scary if you have no idea what your initially doing. Which in term, explains why you panicked. Panicking during this process can be pretty freaking scary, especially if you can't control it, and can cause the feeling, and time intervals to seem longer. You probably were like that for 30 mins to 1:30 hrs max. It may have felt like 6, unless you timed it, and know for sure.

I guess, You'd have to tell me more, than you already have to know for sure.

inamorata · Accepted Answer

A part of your brain in charge of consciousness that should shut down when sleeping stays completely active, as the other part of your brain signals your body that you're asleep and it needs to shut down.
Some people do this to themselves on purpose for some meditation, or some new agey crap like that. It's suppose to be tantric after a while, or something.

It's not anything others didn't experience before you, but it's not exactly normal if it's happening on it's own and bothering you. From what you're saying here, you did this on purpose, so if it bothers you just don't try, not to go to sleep again, and problem solved. =/

jenny479 · Answer

This is a demon attacking you. Next time this happens ask Jesus to save you and the demon will be forced to release you. Demons like to attack humans at night, they can attack and try to possess humans. They sometimes take the form of dark shadows or shadow people. Jesus is the only way to you deliver you from these attacks. If you cannot speak during the attacks, just keep on thinking Jesus and the demon will go away. I have degrees in psychology and I was graduated from a Lutheran seminary with a Master's degree, so I do know what I am talking about.

msinvisible1 · Answer

Its called sleep paralysis. It happens when part of your brain (the part that causes consciousness) wakes up before the part of the brain that causes movement to wake. The best you can do is relax breathe and close your eyes and wait. if you get anxious nd fight it, it takes longer to come around.

ImJustJayda · Answer

Yes, just like a few people have said, you probably have Sleep Paralyis. This happens to me all the time. Its very annoying, scary and common. It happened to me just today actually, when I was taking a nap. Although, Its never been that long for me. At most, I'd be unable to move for a few minutes, not a few hours. But overall, its normal.

Nomad93 · Answer

Sleep paralysis man that's happened to me a few times. Melatonin, weed, vitamin d and meds for restless legs has caused me to have episodes like that. I did have a self conscious I'm ruining my life moment to in which I made changes once I woke up, it's not all bad man. Wouldn't hurt to do a sleep study I suppose

Imupforit · Answer

Makes me think of myasthenia gravis. A loss of sensation that starts in the lower limbs and creeps upward to involve the diaphragm ( the muscle that regulates breathing).
Yes. See a doctor. There are psychosomatic signs in your description (mind playing tricks on you) but you should rule out possible medical issues first.

Shyally · Answer

This might be sleep paralysis or a similar condition. It's very freaky. Your mind is awake, but your body goes into a sleep state. It does happen and it's awful. Your mind probably wasn't functioning at 100%, hence the illusions.

Anonymous · Answer

It's like sleep paralyisis, plus you're half awake half asleep, so you're dreaming kinda while you're awake. I've had it a couple times, scary as fuck, especially the shadows stuff and I have recurring awake dream like that with demons to.
Scary, but normal. You should be fine. Although, if you're very worried, you shouldn't hesitate to see your doctor.

Anonymous · Answer

These sound like night terrors.

Why are you intentionally trying not to sleep?

There are dark, otherworldly forces out there that mean you harm. You are inviting them into your life by these strange practices.

Think "Demons".

I rebuke them in the name of Jesus, because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and He has conquered everything in the world. If you cry out to God, He is real, and He will hear you. How can a doctor help you in matters of spirits and unclean forces?

CowGirlie18 · Answer

Sleep paralysis. I get it when im way over tired. Its pretty much a battle between your mind and body. Your body is telling you to go to sleep but your mind is wide awake. And you seeing stuff was due to the fact that you panicked and your mind plays tricks on you because you feel vulnerable. Dont worry too much but if it really freaks you out talk to your doctor.

heavenlyashell · Answer

It's sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming. You should look it up! There is a lot of helpful information on the internet. I can understand this is very scary.. good luck

gapminder · Answer

You were probably experiencing an out of body experience. Not to be a hippie or religious fanatic, but I firmly believe in God and the after life. I also believe that humans do have out of body experiences throughout their lives usually during sleep. When was the last time you woke up after having a sense of falling only to be jarred awake sitting up in bed? Most likely you were returning to your body from a trip to the other side.

Girlgirl92 · Answer

I think it sounds like sleep paralsis

Destinybae · Answer

you had a spiritual expierence. think its time to come to the father

XOXOME16 · Answer

Its called sleep paralysis. I doubt its demons attacking you. Lots of people have this disorder. You should tell your doctor so they can find a way to make it easier.

idontknowyall · Answer

This is called sleep paralysis. It's pretty cool (can be scary) and you can do a few things with it!! I used to try to do it cause I want to lucid dream but i just gave up recently. Might try again... I suggest you do a little research about it :)

becca123 · Answer

Sleep paralysis. Thought to be the culprit behind "alien abduction" experiences and hauntings. Quite normal.

LambertiFamily · Answer

This happens to me too. It's called sleep paralysis. Don't be afraid. I have learned to control it over the years.

Anonymous · Answer

Smoking meth before bed? Bad Idea

jacquesvol · Answer

Sounds like a panic attack. You might best consult a doctor. Or set up a bed time ceremony: a walk, coming home, drink some milk (no coffee after 6 pm) read a few pages in bed, listen to calm music. All this at the same hour.

trojanDevil · Answer

It was case of sleep paralysis. People who are not aware may even see ghosts, aliens, succubus, out of the body experience, etc. See doctor if problem persists.

TysJCB · Answer

You were actually asleep but it felt like you were awake. You were dreaming, hense why you couldn't speak or move.

cocotheoreo · Answer

You probably fell asleep and had a nightmare. Alternatively, sometimes weird things happen in your mind during meditation.

EnlightenedTrojan · Answer

Your body just shuts down if you won't allow it to sleep.

Klaatu51 · Answer

i believe you've got some psychic powers dude... : O

Your_boss960 · Answer

I think you were just sleeping and having a really weird dream, or you were being haunted

emo_schoolgirl · Answer

That happens to me all the time but I get hurt sometimes... The shadows are really just lost souls ( that's what my dandan told me

nat008 · Answer

This may be extreme, but it sounds similar to sleep paralysis...

Hawkeye6736 · Answer

It's sleep paralysis. I've heard some weird things about it, but don't know much

ReneDS · Answer

i have the opposite, sometimes im sleeping and suddenly i get awake with a big shock movement XD

Laura1995 · Answer

It's called sleep paralysis :) it's frightening but not serious You're fine ;)

micheal727jovanie · Answer

If you couldn't breath those few time call a doctor

Anonymous · Answer

You where definitely attacked by satans minions, REPENT NOW!!! Naw it was just sleep Paralyis

sagari · Answer

Probably a nightmare they're Sometimes so surreal that you feel like they're real but in any case if you're feeling that much scared go see a doctor!

Chris011 · Answer

Either sleep paralysis or you've got some demons in your house.

Anonymous · Answer

It sounds serious, you should probably see a doctor

Lotfrog · Answer

It's sleep paralysis... I love it so much! It's trippy and it can be extremely hypnotic and relaxing if you use it correctly.

crazyincalifornia · Answer

Whatever you're using, please send me some. HHHH

Random_chick_2384 · Answer

Why do u lay there trying to not fall asleep?

tricegibbs · Answer

It was Sleep paralysis. You are fine.

Kzinnn · Answer

Drink some holy water dude.

been_waiting · Answer

Sleep paralysis most likely

Anonymous · Answer

Inbox me when you get this.

HappyToBeAlive · Answer

Don't worry. It's sleep paralysis

GoldCobra · Answer

were you tripping on acid?

James687 · Answer

i get that all the time, its completely normal man

shepardcoll · Answer

no u shouldn't answerm ien

MeganTron · Answer

Meditation I think

Should I be worried about this?

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