Why does my sleep paralysis last so long?
I thought that I was experiencing sleep paralysis but it lasts too long and my husband has a very hard time waking me. during these episodes I am completely aware that he is trying to wake me and I am desperately trying to move, speak or open my eyes, but I can’t. I can hear my own voice asking for help and it sounds like I’ve had a stroke. This latest episode lasted longer than any others, 30 minutes. He is on the verge of calling 911. He usually tries to wake me if it looks like I’m having a nightmare but he said that yesterday it looked like I was having a seizure that’s why he was trying to wake me up. When I do wake up I feel 100% lucid and normal and can tell him everything he said and did to try and wake me, what am I experiencing?
Thank you so much for your reply, I read the article and took the screening I reached 11 on a scale of 0 to 24. I will talk to my doc. This only happens if he is trying to wake me. I am wondering if he doesn't try to wake me if I would even know what was happening or if wouldn't be happening at all?
That is a good question,
. Generally, people who are experiencing sleep paralysis appreciate being awaken, but maybe it is prolonging your episodes. It might be worth a try. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
That must have been awfully scary for you both,
. I have only experienced sleep paralysis with fevers and it was frightening enough that I now never nap when I am sick. That is a long time for sleep paralysis to last, but it is not impossibly long. Some people have reported episodes lasting up to an hour. It is very unusual for doctors to catch episodes of sleep paralysis in a lab though, so they have to rely on self-reporting. Some people might exaggerate while others might underestimate the time. Have you talked with your doctor about this? While many healthy people experience sleep paralysis at some point in their lives, frequent episodes can be symptomatic of narolepsy. Here is an article about narcolepsy from our sister community: https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/basics. Do any of the symptoms seem familiar to you? I would urge you to reach out to your doctor, if you haven't already, and request a referal to a sleep specialist. I hope others chime in here and that you get answers and relief soon. Keep us updated if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
