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Health and Safety => Health and Safety => Topic started by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 11:34:12 AM

Title: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 11:34:12 AM
Sleep Paralysis, it's something I have had my entire life, but until recently, it only occurred on rare occasions. Maybe once or twice a year. Lately, I get it multiple times a week and have had it happen more than once in a night.  

Many people have never heard of it. I can tell you, it is terrifying. I'm at a point, where I now know what it is as it happens, but it is no less frightening. They say it is not harmful, but to me, I can't imagine it not being. I had an episode this morning at about 2:30 AM, and decided I didn't want to go back to sleep for fear of it happening again. So, here I sit before noon, about exhausted.

I was just wondering if others here had experienced it? From my research, they say that most people do once in their lives, but few have it like I do.

From Wikipedia:
The central symptom of sleep paralysis is being unable to move during awakening.[1]
Imagined sounds such as humming, hissing, static, zapping and buzzing noises are reported during sleep paralysis.[4] Other sounds such as voices, whispers and roars are also experienced.[5] These symptoms are usually accompanied by intense emotions: such as fear, and panic.[6] People also have sensations of being dragged out of bed or of flying, numbness, and feelings of electric tingles or vibrations running through their body.[7]
Sleep paralysis may include hallucinations, such as a supernatural creature suffocating or terrifying the individual, accompanied by a feeling of pressure on one's chest and difficulty breathing.[8] Another example of a hallucination involves a menacing shadowy figure entering one's room or lurking outside one's window, while the subject is paralyzed.

Some video examples (https://www.google.com/search?q=sleep+paralysis&client=firefox-b-1&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjYi_ft0u7ZAhVE61MKHShYD94Q_AUICigB&biw=1535&bih=751)

I find myself not wanting to be away from home because of the episodes and if I am, I warn the people I am with, and how to bring me out of it, because I have the ability to holler for help, where very very few others do, but am very selective of who I am with.  @Magicman (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=10011)  has witnessed episodes.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: newoodguy78 on March 15, 2018, 12:53:02 PM
That's scary stuff. I've never even heard of it and certainly don't want to experience it.  Does the position you sleep in seem to effect the frequency of episodes? Could it be stress related? It's a bummer for you and your wife but at least you have someone there if it happens. Best of luck figuring out the cause and hopefully you can get some answers.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Babylon519 on March 15, 2018, 01:03:49 PM
Jeff, there must have been something in the air last night - I live just across the big lake from you. At 3 am, I had a dream I was being attacked from behind, and swear I had my right shoulder kicked at. I remember striking back with my left arm and - next thing I know - I'm on the floor beside the bed in a rowing position. I had hurdled myself straight off and away from the mattress. I actually started laughing at the weirdness of it all, but there's no going back to sleep after that!

I experience panic attacks regularly, whether I'm awake or asleep. If I wake up that way, I'm afraid to fall back to sleep. It's a vicious circle; sometimes the brain plays dirty. I think the sleep paralysis you describe would be even worse. I have borderline sleep apnea, and I wonder if I'm getting these attacks when my breathing has shut down for a moment. Doctor said losing 30 pounds would probably help.  :)   - Jason
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 01:13:35 PM
Quote from: newoodguy78 on March 15, 2018, 12:53:02 PMDoes the position you sleep in seem to effect the frequency of episodes


It absolutely does. If I end up on my back, it can be almost guaranteed to occur.  I had a home sleep study done last spring, and of course it didn't show up that night. They said I had a slight episode of apnea but nothing to be concerned about.  Most of the time I will go out and sleep on the couch as I can put my back to the back of the couch and guarantee not rolling on my back.  

Until the last 6 months or so my sleep paralysis had never manifested anything beyond not being able to move, Its gotten to be a bit more scary of late.

I've debated this a bit with doctorb.  This is not a normal dream. I can even see. I can also instruct the person trying to wake me out of it, if I have help, to keep trying if it isn't working. The bad part is is (tom) that this is an altered state of consciousness. A blurred line between awareness and REM sleep, where dreams can be as real as can be and so can sensations.

Last night I was on the couch, and had it happen. I called for help from Tammy. I could hear her coming, but she stopped in the kitchen. I then heard her coming again. I could feel the couch move as she sat down beside me, at least I thought it was her. But she didn't try to wake me up. I then knew that this was part of the episode. I then heard Tammy actually coming. When Tammy hears me, she comes fast.  Before she got to me I was feeling whatever it was on the couch, poke me in the side with something that felt like a dull pin, and I could feel the couch go back up at the very same time Tammy began to shake me.

I've tried to ride these out with out hollering for help, but its so far impossible for me as the whole deal is unnerving and you just want out of it. And like I said, I am very lucky to be able to do that. I've not even found a case study where anyone else could call for help.  There are times when no one is around and I have to ride it out. You try everything you can do. Bite your lip, try to rock or roll out of bed somehow, something.

I always thought this was a pure mind waked up before the body thing until a few years ago. There was something that happened that night, and this was before I found out I wasn't the only one out there with this. I was in bed, and could not move.  I tried to rock myself hoping I would roll out of bed. I tried and tried. Eventually I succeeded. I rolled out of bed and woke up when I hit the floor, and found, that I was still in bed.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Southside on March 15, 2018, 01:43:21 PM
Jeff -

I have no experience to offer here, but truly pray that you find relief from this soon.  Jim
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 02:01:27 PM
A couple months ago, i had an episode where I was calling for Tammy, but she wasn't coming ( i had shut the bedroom door when I left it and she wasn't hearing me as it turned out). I began to get angry, as it seemed like this was lasting for ever, so I started to yell "MOTHER(you know what)" But stopped in mid cuss because I knew if I yelled that, Tammy would NEVER come and help me. (Tammy keeps my foul language in real life in check like I keep everyone elses in check here).  

So then all of the sudden I find myself calling loudly "Mom!  Mom! Mom!"  at that moment my eyes opened and I was looking down the hall of the mobile home I grew up in. My mom was standing at the end of the hall in her nightgown. Just standing there, looking back at me as she would have looked when I was a kid. This was not like any dream. Because you are awake, and asleep, and in a dream state, it was as real as being awake. I knew however through all of this what was happening. I then thought, well, there aint no way she is going to help me, so I started calling for Tammy again, and then just woke up. I was so rattled, that I didn't go back to bed that night either, and that happened like at 1pm or so.

It ain't fun.   If you watch some of the videos, I have experienced this "shadow person" it usually slips past and you feel it stand off the end of my head where I can't see.  Like I said, I am aware now when these things happens, exactly what is happening, but it makes it no better knowing.

The other difference between these episodes and a regular dream, is you remember every detail.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Shotgun on March 15, 2018, 07:01:07 PM
Jeff, do you snore?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 07:02:57 PM
Rarely. And that's according to Tammy. But I will if extremely tired and end up on my back.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on March 15, 2018, 07:10:34 PM
That is scary. I was going through a lot of odd stuff at night. A diffeant job has helped out some.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Shotgun on March 15, 2018, 07:21:43 PM
Jeff, you might want to consider a full fledged sleep test in a hospital that's capable of doing the whole 9 yards. Your sleep paralysis might just be connected to sleep apnea. I've had two tests done, the second one after we moved in June of 2017. Talk to your primary care physician about having it done.  It might be a life saver.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 07:35:26 PM
They ruled out sleep apnea the first time.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Magicman on March 15, 2018, 07:53:24 PM
Jeff discussed this with me when he came to the Cabin in January, but in all honesty, I didn't understand what he was telling me.  One night about 2AM I heard Jeff calling; "help me, help me".  He was on his side so I grabbed his shoulder and shook him rather violently.  When he woke up he said; "thank you, thank you, I am OK now".   Another night he had gone into the living room and was in the recliner.  I had to keep listening to find where he was.  I again shook him, but not enough.  Jeff was able to tell me to shake him some more.  The last episode Pat was there and about 2-3AM he rolled himself out of the bed and hit the floor  :o  which evidently woke himself up.  He told me the next day what he had done and I told him that I figured that.  I had told Pat when he woke us up that I thought that Jeff had rolled out of the bed.

I have Googled and read as much as I could find about this strange "illness".  During that state of sleep our brain naturally paralyzes our bodies so that we can not actually act out a dream.  In Jeff's situation he is more awake than asleep but his body is still paralyzed.   What I have read says that it is not harmful, but to that person it is frightful.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 08:07:22 PM
Luckily with a friend like Lynn, I didn't have to worry about the embarrassing part of waking people up to help. I just make sure I wear plenty of cloths to bed. :D  

Ive declined going some places, like the last couple of logging shows because of how bad it had become. If it were just Tammy and I it would be okay, but in those cases I was supposed to share a room with someone and didn't want to inflict my affliction on them.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: rjwoelk on March 15, 2018, 08:24:38 PM
Jeff i have had several of those episodes over the years and understand . Have not had one for a very long time. They were more prevalent during a very stressfull time in my life.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on March 15, 2018, 08:48:14 PM
If you're having them that much trouble,get a camera and set it up each night. Show that to a Dr,that will get thier attention. As I said,I was going through alot,some sleeping pills helped me out,or relaxation pills. I was seeing one for awhile,but run out of money to keep going.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 08:57:47 PM
They don't dispute it happens, there just isn't any real treatment. They say getting a good night's sleep will help.

YA THINK??
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Logger RK on March 15, 2018, 09:36:47 PM
I forgot about similar experiences i have had. But I don't think I could talk. I'd finally wake up & be pretty shook up & wonder why The Mrs didn't hear me. It's been some time since the last one.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Gary_C on March 15, 2018, 10:20:20 PM
Jeff, I strongly urge you to go to a sleep center for a complete polysomnographic study. 

I did some research on the Mayo Clinic web site and it lead me to Sleep disorder Program (http://www.mayo.edu/research/departments-divisions/department-neurology/programs/sleep-disorder-program)

From what I read, you have some form of Narcolepsy. There apparently is no known cure but there are some medications and lifestyle changes that can help. One medication that I saw mentioned was Melatonin which is an over the counter sleep aid that my wife's doctor recommended for a non narcotic sleep aid. It's not expensive and worth a try if you are not already using it. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doctorb on March 15, 2018, 10:34:34 PM
This is a real thing.  I, too, have experienced this, but only quite rarely, and never as intensely as Jeff.  It can be truly terrifying.  

Sleep studies investigate more than breathing patterns during sleep.  I do not see any harm in discussing this with a sleep center to:

1.  Verify that you don't have sleep apnea.
2.  See if they have any expertise with this phenomenon.

Especially if this seems to be progressive.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Southside on March 15, 2018, 10:36:56 PM
Melatonin is a natural compound, it's what makes you tired after stuffing yourself with turkey actually.  I do take some now and then and it does work very well.  
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Ianab on March 15, 2018, 10:49:47 PM
From the Internet

How does it work?
QuoteMelatonin's main job in the body is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to prepare for being awake. Some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin. It is thought that adding melatonin from supplements might help them sleep.
Certainly worth a try. Poor sleep can be caused by all sorts of things, like side effects of medications etc. If you aren't getting good sleep it also affects your health and mental state as well. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 16, 2018, 11:41:08 AM
The thing is, I don't have trouble going to sleep and sleeping. Its the waking up part. I wake up several times a night, but that has a direct relationship to what and how much I was drinking in the afternoon and evening. It is also related to what I am eating. Anything with MSG is like a diuretic to me. I'm also one of those individuals that if there is some weird side effect to a medication, I get it, so, its better for me not to take anything. The more natural I eat, meat vegetables fruit and potatoes home cooked, and no prepared foods, the better I do, however, none of it seems to have any relationship to the sleep paralysis.  Believe me, I'm trying all different combinations. To be a bit contrary, this is one of those things I WOULD wish on a worst enemy.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Gary_C on March 16, 2018, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Jeff on March 15, 2018, 01:13:35 PMIf I end up on my back, it can be almost guaranteed to occur.

Do you get a back ache when you lay on your back?

Do you feel uncomfortable when you have to get up in the night for a bathroom break?

One thing I've learned from my wife going thru sleep apnea and memory problems is the brain needs to rest and recover while you sleep. Any pain or stress that you endure during sleep can cause the brain to work and process pain or other stress signals and not be able to rest and recover.

So it's an easy solution, eliminate the stress. ::)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 16, 2018, 04:00:40 PM
Quote from: Gary_C on March 16, 2018, 01:28:01 PMDo you get a back ache when you lay on your back?


I refuse to sleep on my back so I could not say.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: John Mc on March 24, 2018, 07:34:55 PM
Some of your descriptions sound like an X-files episode.

I've had a couple similar episodes in my life. My recollection was that I was more on the asleep end of the spectrum than Jeff is, but I was somewhat aware of what was going on around me and while logically I knew it wasn't real, logic was not enough to convince me. and did not experience any real transition from sleep to awake when it ended.

In one I was sure some shadowy being had paralyzed me and was trying to pry my soul out of my body. I was lying on my stomach and he was pulling at my shoulders. I was trying as hard as I could to throw it off but could not move. I could not even yell at it. I'm not a particularly religious person, but became convinced that if I could manage to get out the Lord's Prayer, it would have no power over me.

In my other episode, I was more on the "asleep" end of the spectrum. Again, I was lying on may stomach and could not move. I remember trying to say something, and trying to get this thing off of me. The next thing I know my wife was yelling "whoa!" and jumping to the edge of the bed. Apparently, she had heard me muttering and sounding angry. She asked what was up, and I did not answer, just kept up the angry muttering. She reached over and grabbed my shoulder to shake me awake. I guess she must have shook me right where the thing was grabbing me, because the paralysis broke, I rolled a bit and jerked my arm back ready to swing with a big punch. She jumped, and then I was wide awake. I remember asking her "what's bugging you?"  As she explained, the memories all came flooding back to me.

Two of the weirdest things I ever experienced while sleeping (or almost sleeping). It happened more than 15 years ago (i.e. before kids). I had forgotten all about it until I read Jeff's post.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: barbender on March 24, 2018, 09:04:24 PM
I have a friend who suffers from this too, Jeff. He has since at least his early teens, and it seems to come and go in occurrence. He will also wake up paralyzed, sometimes he can very weakly whisper his wife's name, and she will reach over and touch his arm. He then snaps out of it immediately. I've also heard interesting stories on public radio about this affliction, and it had some interesting history. Such as the term "nightmare". In some traditions, the shadowy figure you have mentioned was called "the hag", if I remember correctly, they said "mare" in old English was a term for woman, so "nightmare" was when the hag came and tormented you at night. I wish I could remember the name of the program, it was quite informative but it's been a few years since I heard it.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: barbender on March 24, 2018, 09:13:56 PM
Sleep paralysis - Wikipedia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: No_Dude on August 12, 2018, 01:50:38 AM
I've read about them before but never have known anyone that has them, or atleast that talks about them. I imagine no improvement since the last post?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 03, 2019, 07:28:34 PM
Been really bad lately. Two instances last night, the second time with hallucinations. Kinda avoiding going  to bed tonight.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Don P on January 03, 2019, 07:49:45 PM
These are the shortest days, any correlation? If so daylight lamps? I was kinda hoping this post was going to say it was over.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 03, 2019, 07:53:14 PM
I think my triggers last night was because we had to be gone in the afternoon and evening and ate a very late supper. Like 9:00.  I remember the last multi episode night i had done the same.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 03, 2019, 08:20:38 PM
I have seen a few episodes of paralysis.  Some are after a seizure and called Todds paralysis.  Another is a weird thyroid condition in certain ancestries and if you eat carbohydrate, it drives potassium into your cells and the muscles do not work with low serum K+.  We do sedations with a drug called Ketamine and it induces a dissociative state and things like setting a bone in your broken arm seem like a dream.  Some kids wake up half asleep and half awake and it is like  a night terror.  Not sure what all is going on but a good sleep center should be able to diagnose more than just sleep apnea.  I am not trying to be a smarty pants, and this is not my area of expertise, so I would follow up with your sleep medicine Dr.  I started as a Respiratory therapist to work my way through shcool in the 1980s, and did sleep studies when they first became a thing.  You need to prob. go to a center where they have seen it all.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 04, 2019, 01:17:39 PM
My unsurance is such that they would not approve a full study last year when requested because of the first home study results. Ive worsened since then. I do have a covered wellness exam coming up where perhaps i can get some help.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 04, 2019, 01:18:36 PM
Btw, unsurance is my term for next to worthless coverage.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 04, 2019, 01:40:31 PM
Hopefully the Dr. will be on your side.  The home stuff is to screen for sleep apnea, looking for hypoxic episodes.  There is definitely some medical issues to look at besides OSA.  Good Luck.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: petefrom bearswamp on January 05, 2019, 08:07:25 AM
Wow Jeff
I hope and pray that a solution can be found.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: RPowers on January 07, 2019, 05:28:57 PM
My wife (36yo) has sleep paralysis. She isn't able to talk at all, but if she can will anything on her body to move, or if someone else touches her, she wakes out of it immediately. She has to stay awake for a while after because she will go right back into that state if she falls back asleep too quickly. It frightens her quite a bit. She says that even something as small as my breathing moving against her is enough to wake her up. In the dream she'll be screaming and throwing herself around trying to wake up but can't. 

Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 07, 2019, 05:37:19 PM
Beleive her, it can be terrifying. In all my research, ive not found a documented case where they can verbally communicate like i do.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Magicman on January 07, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
I can verify that Jeff can communicate and can summon help.  Once I did not quite get him awake and he told me "more" so I popped him on the shoulder a few more times to get him fully awake.  Also his first words are always "thank you" indicating that he is aware that he needs waking up and is grateful to be out of the paralyzed state.

What I have read is that it is not harmful to the person, just terrifying.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 07, 2019, 08:27:59 PM
I just watched, well most of, as i was getting a bit unnerved as much of it was hitting to close to home, a documentary on Netflix called "The Nightmare." It was not helpful, as least for today its not, as it left me with the same dred of going back to sleep as an actual episode.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jack S on January 08, 2019, 09:18:17 PM
 Jeff, My cousin was a research technician for the psychology dept at cornell university and he told me that a professor years ago did a live research project on this very issue and found that any kind of light triggered it. What they did then was they had the patients wear eye masks when sleeping and they then didnt have the episodes. This didn't prove why it happened or a cure But I call it a band aid fix. Apparently if a person opened their eyes when asleep and saw any kind of light it only triggered part of the brain.  If you haven't heard of this  just make sure there is no kind of light in your room. The masks I was told can be bought in the cosmetic dept in stores. women use them for something I know nothing about. Ed and I have been retired from cornell over 20 years so this research was done sometime prior to that.  Who knows give it some thoughtI know you have also mentioned you have some eye problems could be related.  were all rootin for ya  Jack
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 08, 2019, 09:58:30 PM
Jack, I have two. One Tammy made me a while back and a purchased one. I've had incidents while wearing them. Lately I've been trying to eliminate all artificial light from where I'm to sleep as well as wear earplugs. Inevitably once I think I might have a system down that works, it has failed.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 08, 2019, 10:04:22 PM
I know this is a big problem, and you prob. can remember details, but I would record in a journal all the things you are trying, and all the details that precede your episodes.  Sometimes, this is a semi-hypnotic, half asleep and half awake state.  However admittedly, if I had the answer, I would tell you now.  it carries a little weight when you see a new doc for the first time to have dates and details, and not just generalizations.  best wishes!
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jack S on January 08, 2019, 10:11:25 PM
 Great Jeff you are on the light thing already. From what I was told it didnt take much to trigger it.  even a lit clock in the room if your eye happened to see it. car lights flashing thru the window.   Jack
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on January 30, 2019, 01:01:45 PM
What if you poke some smot before bed?  Better or worse?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2019, 01:10:20 PM
Ive never tried, but if I thought it was the cure, id try it.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 30, 2019, 02:12:32 PM
not sure if you have a beer occasionally or not, but what ever you try, keep track of results.  If you are stuck half between asleep and dreaming, and half awake state, getting more asleep might help.  Again, I am not recommending either type of "self medicating" with either, but keep track of results of what ever you do.  Not sure of the status where you are, but I avoid things that could cause me to loose my med. license, or DOT license.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2019, 02:17:07 PM
Beer is not helpful due to the gotta wake up and pee effect.  I do keep track of the things I try, such as the blindfold. Really makes so difference.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 30, 2019, 02:35:26 PM
I do not know any docs in your area but let me know if I can help. I usually have a beer when I get home at 1 am  after working a 14 hours day.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on January 30, 2019, 10:27:02 PM
Welp, ive always been an insomniac and nothing ever helped me sleep better or more consistently.  20 some yrs ago anyways when it'd get ya in a boatload more trouble than now. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2019, 10:28:17 PM
Well, its legal here now, just unobtainable.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on January 30, 2019, 10:34:55 PM
How ironic. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 30, 2019, 10:36:08 PM
I have had a few cancer pt. report that they feel less anxious and that is with the hemp oil that does not make you high.  There has not been much good research, in part due to the prev. stigma.  I agree if it is helpful that is great.  The biggest proponents however have used it for so many years they are not exactly unbiased.  My sister in law gets mad if I even refer to it as a drug.  "its an herb".  Most highly effective medicinals also have significant side effects.  To each there own.  Hope you find something soon Jeff.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2019, 10:48:39 PM
I have weird side effects to meds. If there is a strange side effect, I'm the guy that has it.  One time after a shoulder surgery I was given a scopolamine patch for nausea.  This resulted in something that was akin to the sleep paralysis. Vivid hallucinations. As soon as I closed my eyes they would hit me. riding a merry go around with the devil and trying to run the opposite way of rotation as he chased me. It was real as could be. I called the nurse in because I had no idea what was happening to me. She sat down in the chair in my room as I explained what was going on. As she starts to tell be it was probably the patch I had on for nausea, a huge spider, probably 3 ft across came down the wall and put a leg on her shoulder. I'll never forget it, and I can remember shouting at her to GET THE PATCH OFF ME!   Opioids upset my stomach and keep me awake and constipate me and do nothing for pain. Refuse to take them.  Motrin based pain releivers make me so I can not pee.  I am not allowed to take Tylenol due to having that really bad case of pancreatitis  in 2010. Pretty much any medication and me do not get along.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 30, 2019, 10:58:18 PM
for how many years now and how often does this afflict you.  if you don't mind me asking.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 30, 2019, 11:03:34 PM
My buddy Dr. Sourk is a pulmonologist and has been doing sleep medicine since it became a thing in the 80s.  I will see if he knows anyone in your area that is an expert.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2019, 11:05:12 PM
The sleep paralysis? I've had it for long as I can remember, but an episode might occur once a year or less, up until probably 2 years ago. They they started coming quite often. Lately its at least once a week, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week, sometimes two times a day, once 3 times. The hallucinations are new in this last two years as well.  I had one night before last and was calling for help. I heard Tammy coming, arrive, and then I could hear wheezing and heavy breathing. I felt Tammy grab my arm, and was waiting for her to shake me awake. Turns out, Tammy was not there yet. I heard the real Tammy coming and just before she got to me, the sleep paralysis hand on my arm let go and the wheezing and breathing stopped.

If I end up on my back, I can almost be assured of an episode.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on January 31, 2019, 08:00:51 AM
Wow Jeff,the more you post the more goose bumps I get. :( 
Brenda is like you,read the side affects,one in 150,000 will have it,Brenda and you are one of the 150,000.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 31, 2019, 08:40:22 AM
I awoke if you want to call it that, this morning about 5:30. At least this episode was of the generic variety. Just the paralysis with no side show. I called for help but Tammy didn't hear me, so had to endure it until I came out of it by myself. Problem with the being able to call, is sometimes I just think I am yelling, but as it turns out, only whispering or sometimes not actually saying anything at all.  I know this because it happens so many times with me that Tammy has been able to witness the different scenarios.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on January 31, 2019, 09:23:05 AM
Man, your situation sucks.  

Im not a pothead or even much a med user at all and dont care to be around frequent recreational stoners,  but i kinda think you ought to give it a try pretty soon.  If i was in your boat id need to know sooner than later.  And over 20 some years i have seen it improve a handful of very angry, anxious high strung people dramatically like nothing else could.  About face changes for the better which is rare in life.  My best friends dad was one of em.  He shoulda started 30 yrs sooner, whole life woulda been better for him and those around him.  Waited until he was dying of cancer and was suddenly likable. A shame. 

Anyway, if it dont work ya just add it to the list of things youve crossed off. I hope ya figure it put soon.  The lack of sleep has to be aging the both of you pretty fast. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 31, 2019, 09:43:35 AM
Well, i dont feel I need a personality change, I would just like to be able to look foward to a normal nights sleep instead of my version of a nightmare on elm street. A nap now and then would be most excellent as well. I find it impossible to nap because my mind doesn't slow down. Ive fallen asleep during daylight hours maybe twice in the last few years.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 31, 2019, 09:56:13 AM
If you have had side effects from common meds, and tend to have many side effects, I think it makes trying meds more a concern.  Several meds have been used but some are to keep you awake during the day (treat narcolepsy) including stimulants like Ritalin,  a few may help paralysis by limiting rem sleep, but all have side effects.  I have noted lack of research for medicinal MJ but there are many anecdotes.  It tends to be more of a cns depressant and could make things worse.  Intractable nausea and vomiting are common side effects.  I am not anti MJ, but I am a little anti-pro MJ as the cure for everything.  Full disclosure, I haver tried it or have any desire to.  If I had a chronic pain or cancer and had no helpful options, I would consider it.
ps: the above comments are not meant to be directed at anyone posting here on mj, my comments above are in general after years of practice
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on January 31, 2019, 10:16:05 AM
Rereading what i posted it sounds like i was suggesting you are a grouch but i didnt mean it that way even if you are  ;D  

Im not pro or anti.  If it makes someone a loser im against it.  If it makes them better im for it.  As a lifetime troubleshooter my brain just says well, try this and monitor the results for the next decision. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on January 31, 2019, 10:27:35 AM
I agree mike.  Sadly there is no manual for ol Jeff!   :P
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: D2 Cody on January 31, 2019, 11:00:17 PM
Hey Jeff I was very interested when I read your post. I have never really worried or thought much about this but after reading all four pages it was nice to see what you had to say. Not that I am glad this is happening to you by any means but because I have had this problem two or three times now in the last few years myself and the only person who knows about it is the wife and even she thinks it is just a dream and either doesn't fully understand or believe me when I told her and I swear I am awake when this happens. It is very frightening to say the least. The most recent was probably 10 or 11 months ago but I wake up fully "or at least I think I am", and swear someone is holding me down talking to me in a very low quiet muffled voice while i am on my stomach and I try to scream but no voice at all and i can absolutely not move a leg, an arm, not one muscle. The most scariest part is I have problems breathing and am just gasping for air and praying I fully wake up very soon and that it just ends. I don't know what causes it as I have always since I graduated high school had problems getting to sleep and waking up a lot but when I do sleep I am totally dead to the world. I also and it really bothers the wife is I will just be sleeping and breathing fine then its like I hold my breath and just keep sleeping then i'll start breathing again. It has actually been bad enough just a few times that she has waken me up to get me to breath. I to be honestly do worry about work to much, don't eat or sleep like I should especially since I started trying to get my own business going and would venture to blame a lot of my problem on this. I hope you find a cure to your problem Jeff and soon because I cant even imagine having this all the time. Try and take care.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Ljohnsaw on February 01, 2019, 01:04:14 AM
D2 Cody,  Yours sounds like Sleep Apnea.  Are you tired in the morning when the wife says you've had a lot of the stop breathing episodes?  Might want to get a sleep study done.  SA is really hard on your heart.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 01, 2019, 07:00:18 AM
Id sure concur with that from my understandings. Sleep Apnea. I'm sure one of the docs will be by to give some insight.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 01, 2019, 09:30:00 AM
Obstructive sleep apnea is usually associated with intense snoring, to the point that no air goes in.  This happens as the person is getting into deep sleep and their bodies emergency alert system wakes them up.  They are very tired the next day due to no deep sleep.  During deep sleep is when you release a growth hormone releasing substance.  Adults need growth hormone in small amounts to act like an anabolic steroid.  Good sleep = GH = fat burning, muscle building, feelings of well building and can defeat the world, sexual stuff.  Insulin counteracts GH so low GH = weight gain, loss of muscle, decreased energy for all things above.  As you gain wt., insulin levels cont. to go up.,  sleep apnea gets worse and therefor GH goes down starting the vicious cycle that everyone talks about.  no energy and cannot loose weight.  Now blood pressure and cholesterol goes up, making vascular dx. worse.

I agree you should start with a sleep study.  If you do not snore and this is only occ., you may have more what Jeff has just not as frequent.  I think you need to see your Doc.  Best wishes to all.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 05, 2019, 05:47:19 AM
The Cold Burner.

My mind is such a strange place to live anymore. Here it is 4:30 in the morning. Tammy has left for work and I'm scared to go back to sleep.

Last night before I turned in, I got a text from my son that he had obtained a THC candy for me to try before I go to bed tonight so we could see if it helps. He is to bring it over today. He said if it does, his friend says she can make them for me for $25 for 25 of them. I thought cool. I'm sure willing to put an end to this. Tammy hates the idea of my trying to use cannabis, but I think her real issue is with the smoking of it. She detests the smell. The edible seems like it should be an acceptable alternative for her.

As what is now my usual, I stayed up last night to the point of exhaustion as it seems that is the way I get past the sleep paralysis in the evening. When I did lay down I pretty much went right to sleep. I got up a couple times during the night which is now, also, my usual, and had no issues going back to sleep, however the last time up, I went out and sat in the easy-chair to finish the night as my shoulders were hurting as they usually do from layng on them. Sleeping on your back is not an option with sleep paralysis. About 4am I could hear Tammy moving around getting ready for work. At that point it became daytime and Jeremy was here. He gave me the THC candy. After he left I didn't wait around until this evening to eat it. I ate it right then, thinking I should have waited until tonight to see if it was going to work.

I'm a child of the 70's so I am no stranger to marijuana. I know what it is to be high on weed. What I did not know was you can actually be high on weed that you did not actually ingest during sleep paralysis. The candy was more like cake. moist and sweet. I could taste it. As Tammy moved around in the other room getting for work I thought she would probably like the taste too. You see it is still this morning, I'm still in my chair, and I don't know yet that this is sleep paralysis, or at least about to be.  Jeremy is back now. I'm thinking that candy worked fast! I'm high within moments of eating it. I'm laughing and acting goofy and he told me that I should have waited to take it until bed time as I only have one. I now see Tammy across the street. Is daytime and summer and its warm. I need a drink.  I see a cabinet that is unfamiliar to me. On top of the cabinet there is what appears to be a double burner heater for heating coffee on, but instead of coffee, one side is empty and the other side has a gallon of milk on it. Its one of those new Cold Burners they have out. Instead of a plate where you can set a pot of coffee to keep it hot, it is a plate where you can set something cold to keep it cold. Interesting. I can't see how that would work very well.  I take the gallon and pour myself a glass of milk.  I take a drink. Its warm. Warm milk. I can taste it, I can feel it in my mouth. Its not spoiled, it tastes like milk but it is warm. So much for the cold burner.

I'm back in my chair. I can hear Tammy letting the dogs in. I'm thinking I hope this THC candy has not made my sleep paralysis worse. At that moment I realize, what all this is. I can't move. I still have the taste of warm milk in my mouth. This time I can't call out but I can let out noises. AHHH!!! AHHHH!!!  Tammy is right there. She was only a few steps away. She is shaking me and I can now talk but can't move. She is shaking me vigorously saying my name loudly but I can't come out of it. I tell her to take my hand and lift my arm. Why? I don't know, but she does. "shake it"  She does, still calling my name out loudly. I finally come out of it. She had an awful time getting me awake. I know, I was there trying to help her do it. My mind is now telling be this was such a bad episode to wake up from because of tkaing the THC candy, which of course I have not taken yet and that won't even arive until later today.

So lets recap. I went to bed thinking that perhaps there could be some relief insight. I get high in my sleep on weed that does not exist, I found out I can truly taste and experience eating things I never ate while in the hallucinative state of sleep paralysis, and I also invented in my mind a home appliance that obviously didn't work well that I called a cold burner.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on February 05, 2019, 06:10:09 AM
There has to be something out there that will work. Good luck with the candy. May take a certain amount of even a cetain kind that will work for you.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 05, 2019, 06:40:53 AM
Wow Jeff, that really is sad and terrifying. I wish I had a solution.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on February 05, 2019, 07:55:55 AM
It sounds like your brain is brewing its own LSD jeff.  Pretty trippy.  I was starting to feel responsible for suggesting a really bad idea there and am hopeful the real test goes better than the mental dry run. 

Thermal plates do exist.  I dont remember exactly how they worked but i was part of a project to prototype a hot or cold drink temp device for automotive consoles.  They are two sided and transfer either hot or cold to the other side.  The fancy coolers out these days probably use them. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: pineywoods on February 05, 2019, 11:14:02 AM
Jeff, I'm sending you a pm
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 05, 2019, 01:28:56 PM
during an episode of half awake and half asleep, like hypnosis, people are susceptible to suggestion.  Kids waking from a ketamine sedation can hallucinate and have like a night terror, very vivid and calling out, but unable to wake.  We can often tell them to close their eyes and go back to sleep, and they do.  Used to be an experiment in self hypnosis, to repeat a phrase about not being able to let go of a pencil, and susceptible people could not.  All our talk about it may have made you dream it/experience it.  I sadly do not have answers for you.  I hope your "non insurance" will let you see someone at a research university hospital.  We are using Ketamine as a drip to help people with PTSD.  Similar in that you are triggered to relive or have anxiety about past events.  Not sure with sleep paralysis,  The current drugs work they think by keeping you out of REM or dream sleep.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 05, 2019, 01:31:45 PM
Giving up dreaming would be a horrible trade off. Many of the things Ive accomplished in life started out as a dream.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Tasha on February 05, 2019, 02:07:55 PM
I have read this thread and am still not certain as the answer to my question seems to change depending upon which post I read.

When I first read the thread early on it seemed as if you were clearly awake and were in a state of paralysis but fully awake, but only after having been previously asleep.  In a recent post when Magicman had to shake you in increasing strength and a similar comment about your wife I am not certain. Other posts as well as your own have me more uncertain as to the answer.

Are you truly awake after having been asleep or are you asleep and dreaming that you are awake when you suffer this sleep paralysis?

I had a time in my life (years back) when I had almost exactly what you are describing but I was clearly asleep.  Now in the dream I "knew" I was awake and it would have been very difficult to convince me that I was not awake but i was still in a sleep mode.

Just trying to understand clearly what you are describing is happening to you.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 05, 2019, 02:09:03 PM
You are both.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 06, 2019, 08:02:11 AM
Well, I didn't have an episode, but that doesn't mean anything, I don't have them as much as I do. I definitly had more trouble getting to sleep, because I think I was hyper-aware of entering the sleep state. My brain would not quit working. When I would start to fade towards sleep, my brain would say, "HEY! you might be going to sleep, Can you still move?" and I would come fully awake. Over and over until the middle of the night. Then I had to go sit in a chair because I hurt for laying and not sleeping. So as a test, this was non-conclusive and disappointing. I guess I was expecting some miracle. That I would lay down, fall gently asleep, and awaken much later, normally and refreshed.  Just another night.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Bruno of NH on February 06, 2019, 09:35:11 AM
Jeff
I really think you should give the Ralfa a try.
I hear good things about it from good people.
When it all shakes out I think it will replace some meds folks take.
Bruno
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 06, 2019, 12:12:14 PM
Okay, i had to of missed something. What is ralfa?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Bruno of NH on February 06, 2019, 01:28:47 PM
Code word for cannabis ☺
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 06, 2019, 01:48:20 PM
That is what i was describing the results of from last night.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 06, 2019, 05:41:36 PM
Was just talking to the lawyer today and he said the new law here enacted by that character in Ottawa has to take a zero tolerance approach because they can't prove your state of mind. It's not like alcohol. In fact a study in California showed people were less likely to be in an accident than someone not using it because you're a lot more alert, cautious and mellowed out.  I think that stuff made you hyper alert Jeff, it is definitely a known stimulant. I am no expert or even a novice about such things, just my take. Of course there is always too much, which will put you to sleep according to him. Take that tidbit for what it is worth I guess.

The flip side is, that now alcohol went from a 0.08% legal limit down to a 0.02% in the law books. And also the cops can come into your home now even if you never drove all day, but was drinking at home, and drag your but to be tested if they have to and check your blood with no warrant in hand. If you test above 0.02 % you loose the car for 3 months. But you was not in that car with alcohol in your blood. Now that there is a shocker.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Don P on February 06, 2019, 10:33:58 PM
Now hold on, don't think for one minute it improves driving or motor skills and it would be a real stretch to call it a stimulant. This is not a performance enhancing drug. It isn't as debilitating as alcohol but take that trip without leaving home. I'm not knocking it at all just be responsible.  I'm certainly no doc but it sort of sounds like Jeff's mind kind of made up its own mind about how the experiment would go.  I don't think it will hurt anything but in some people it can cause anxiety and this sounds like it might have roots in anxiety. Jeff, it sounds like you have some level of self awareness during an episode, have you ever just sat back and let your mind go wherever it wants to go?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 06, 2019, 10:40:49 PM
I've tried, but once I know I'm in an episode, all I want is out. The last one was not terrifying, but many are.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 07, 2019, 04:31:44 AM
Well it can be Don as much as the other affects (depressant, hallucinogen and so on) .  Your physiology and the strain of the stuff affects the outcome. The stuff can still be detected in your system a month after consumed. Should you go to jail because you consumed some 30 days ago at the cabin on the lake? Nope! I think there is too much emphasis on following the negatives. I've never touched the stuff, but have been near others that have used it. None of those people ever became a threat to anyone around them. I don't consume anything that alters my awareness or perception of reality. You can take that any way you like. :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 07, 2019, 08:42:19 AM
On the MJ front I agree.  There has not been good research (as we docs like to say)  to prove many benefits.  Your neighbor can give you advice and you can take it or leave it.  A Dr. needs evidence so he is not wasting time and money, as well when he gets sued he can point to the evidence and science that he based his decision on.  Quite a burden to feel you always have to be right.  With a bad outcome people are looking to see if anything in retrospect could have been done better.  When docs do this, it is called morbidity and mortality review for learning.  It is called peer review if something was done wrong and you can loose your license.  And if a law firm does it...you get the picture.  We do double blind studies so that the observer does not know who has the drug or not, and can be objective.  The placebo effect is real, so anyone making an anecdotal observation, is potentially biased.  I drink and brew beer.  I do not use MJ.  I know if I have more than 2 beers not to drive.  I could loose both my diverse license and medical license.  I had a 40s y/o man come in having seizures and delirious and had to go to the icu on a ventilator.  Healthy otherwise and all tests were normal except he had pot in his system.  When I simply asked the family about it, we nearly had to call security.  I was told since it was natural, it could do no harm.  No one knew who grew the stuff, or if it was sprayed with chemical ect.  So I use caution when making recommendations to other people. The more effect any chemical has, the more likely there will be side effects.  Many "natural" medicinals have few side effects and you got it, when tested have little or no benefit. Godspeed.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 07, 2019, 09:05:09 AM
I certainly didnt mean for this topic to become a cannabis symposium. :laugh:

In this state it is now legal for use. Two reasons i have considered it is because it is legal and its something i could try to give me relief from the greater affliction. What i took was an edible made with medicinal grade cannabis oil from a strain grown specificly to help sleep. I didnt take it to get high. I plan on trying again in a more laid out plan that will actually give me an idea if it can work. Taking it one night with a heap of anxiety told me nothing.

The only reason i am discussing any of this here is to try and help others that may experience what i do regularly and to understand that they are not alone or crazy.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 07, 2019, 09:20:56 AM
I am really neither pro or con, and I hope it helps you.  I know there are preps that avoid the high and poss. confer medicinal benefit.  We should have been studying this for years, but due to stigma, it has not been done.  Our DEA license is federal and could be at risk.  I have always told people with otherwise untreatable illness, to try it but I could not offer a science based opinion.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: lxskllr on February 07, 2019, 09:35:46 AM
I had sleep paralysis once in my life. It was in my first apt after moving out; a place built in 1822. I was hoping it was a ghost holding me down cause I've always wanted proof of ghosts. Hasn't happened yet, and my skepticism has only strengthened over the years.


Anyway, weird sensation. I could see it being a problem if it happened all the time. Hope you find something that consistently works for you Jeff. Laws don't particularly concern me. I don't do anything to harm other people, and I expect the same consideration in return. IOW, you need to look after yourself. No one else will do it for you; not without payment anyway. There's always someone with their hand out...
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on February 07, 2019, 09:35:10 PM
There are diffeant kinds of that stuff too. Make sure you have a care giver that knows what is what.
Kinda like using a guide to file with or free hand. Does not matter as long as it works and does the job!!!!
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Gary_C on February 08, 2019, 12:23:29 PM
Jeff, after all you have been through with this problem you may have more of an anxiety problem than a sleep problem. 

I am suggesting this because my wife has been having memory issues for some time now and though there is no definitive test, she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Over the past two years we have found her memory issues have been made worse by her anxiety as when she worries about some future event, her memory gets markedly worse. She is now being treated for her anxiety and it has helped somewhat but there is no going back to regain memory losses.

So please see a good doctor and get treated for your problems, whatever they are. I have learned through all I have been through that the brain needs to regenerate itself while you sleep and if you don't get good sleep, bad things happen. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 13, 2019, 05:02:05 PM
I've been over a week since I have had an episode. The longest I have been in two years. The only thing I can see that I've done different was the edible I took on the night of the State of the Union Speech. Maybe it was the speech. :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 13, 2019, 07:02:59 PM
Well, at least your on the positive side of things. Might be a cure. ;D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 13, 2019, 07:18:31 PM
i guess he really does make america great again.  i hope i am not sorry I said that.  Best wishes
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: DPatton on February 15, 2019, 11:30:28 PM
Quote from: Jeff on February 13, 2019, 05:02:05 PM
I've been over a week since I have had an episode. The longest I have been in two years. The only thing I can see that I've done different was the edible I took on the night of the State of the Union Speech. Maybe it was the speech. :D
Lmao!
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Ianab on February 16, 2019, 02:44:01 AM
One of the things that I read about a medical cannabis study was that it didn't actually offer much "pain relief", but it did have a sedative effect. Which meant that people suffering ongoing low level pain, that was messing with their sleep, were now able to get a decent nights sleep, in spite of that background pain. 

That was of interest to me, because NZ is discussing changing the laws around cannabis (medical or de-criminalising etc), and I have issues with Neuropathy, (from undiagnosed diabetes) causing pain in my feet, that messes with my sleep. So I know how much of a killer not getting a decent nights sleep is. New Doc has got me to try a low dose of Amitriptyline, and it's actually helped. Still have some discomfort, but it's not so bad that I wake up in the middle of the night and have to get up and walk around. So I'm sleeping and feeling a lot better. 

So I think cannabis extract could have a real effect on sleep patterns too. Exactly what I'm not sure, because as the Doc says, it's not been well studied. But if side effects are only a craving for Doritos, then it's worth trying. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: WDH on February 16, 2019, 07:50:35 AM
I crave doritos anyway, so that would not be a problem. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2019, 07:56:14 AM
I've had a couple more episodes. A bad one this morning. One of the nightmare ones. I've not taken anything since that one time as I don't have access to anything.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: beav on February 16, 2019, 08:45:55 AM
Have you tried cbd, the non psychoactive component of cannibus? It is widely available and legal everywhere. Even here in NH. It provides pain and anxiety relief and helps promote natural sleep.
It sure helped me (and still does) get through my hospital woes a year ago.
Cannibidilol (sp?) Google it
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Bruno of NH on February 16, 2019, 09:39:46 AM
I know a lot of folks that like the cbd.
Beav.
Have you seen the post on the Northern Project 2019 would be great to see you again.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Andries on February 16, 2019, 09:57:37 AM
The beav might be onto something here.
A neighbour started to take CBD oil drops (as I understand it, that's the 'non-high' part of MJ) to manage pain. He has fused spine issues and has lived with pain for most of his life. It's really changed his life for the better, he's much more energetic and cheerful now.
He takes the CBD oil drops in the morning and then again before he goes to bed.
I'm aware that pain management isn't the issue here - getting a solid eight hours sleep is the goal. Worth a try?
Since it's legal and available, it may be the silver bullet for what ails you Jeff.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2019, 12:25:51 PM
So I might as well tell the story of this mornings incident. I had to get up and go to the bathroom, Tammy had already left early to take the cheerleaders to a meet. When I got up, I was walking down the hall towards the bathroom. Problem is, this was not my hall. It was the hall of the house I grew up in. We lived in a 1967 Marlette mobile home on a full basement. It had an "expando" that made the living area double wide. When you walked down that hall, the first door on the left was my bedroom, a few feet further, on the right, was my sister Jill's bedroom. After that on the right was a door that opened up to where the furnace was. At the end of the hall there were three doors. To the left was the door to go outside, at the end, my parents bedroom, and to the right, was the bathroom.

I wasn't disturbed that I was now walking down the darkened hall to go to the bathroom in a home I had not slept in for 40 years, but I did not yet know I was in sleep paralysis, or about to enter it. I reached the bathroom, opened the door and went in. I turned and began to push the door shut. About 6" from being closed, it was suddenly and violently pulled shut from the other side. At the same time it was pulled shut there was what I could only describe as a demon like growl. I grabbed the door and tried to pull it open, the door would pull back shut from the other side. I tried to pull again and what ever was pulling from the other side was way more powerful than I was. I could only get it open an inch and it would suck back shut. At that point my mind said this was the devil I was dealing with.

Remember, this is sleep paralysis so this is all entirely real in my mind. As I sit here and type this, it is as clear as if It had actually happened, because with sleep paralysis hallucination, it is real. Like as if I was telling you about what I had for breakfast.

When I realized it was a demon on the other side, I tried to speak but could not. I started to try and use my finger like a pencil and write out "Jesus" on the inside of the door. I got the "J" written, and that's when I realized I could no longer move. At the same instance of not being able to move, I started spontaneously singing in a raspy voice, "Jesus loves me this I know". At that moment I knew exactly what was going on. I actually was singing. I was back on the couch where I had laid down after Tammy left. I could speak again, and my eyes rolled open and I could see Harley sleeping on the other couch. I tried to call for him, but as usual, he doesn't care or move. Now I am struggling to try and move, to do anything to come out of this episode. This went on for an unknown period. I knew I was by myself. I knew where I was, I knew my dog is an WORD EDITED BY ADMIN ;)  I eventually came out of it, swung my feet to the floor and sat there long enough to gather myself enough to get up and actually go to the bathroom. The reason this whole thing started in the first place.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on February 16, 2019, 01:33:36 PM
You know Jeff,I feel sorry for you. I suppose we all have nightmares,but not 2-3-4 times a week.  :o  That would wear on anyone.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2019, 02:11:23 PM
I'll be fine. :)   Maybe at some point a mix pleasant or interesting non-horrifying events could occur. Not sure what that could possible be, but it's a hope.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 16, 2019, 02:28:25 PM
For me it would be fishing in my grandfather's canoe with a feisty 20 lb Atlantic salmon on and he's taking all the rod and reel I can throw at'm to get him in close enough to scoop with a net into the boat. :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 16, 2019, 02:49:15 PM
But the problem is, with sleep paralysis, you are paralyzed. You would not be able to reel, the fish would get to the end of the line, you would not be able to let go of the reel, so the sudden jolt of the fish when you ran out of line would pull you out of the canoe. You would begin gagging and coughing thinking you were drowning as you sank beneath the water. That would be the key to waking you up to find that you were now actually soaking wet because you peed. :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 16, 2019, 03:00:44 PM
Well, that part would be like never being able to get the fish close enough to net and your heart would be trying to jump out of your chest at the same time. :D

Don't need to be a dream for the heart thing, I can speak from experience. You think bears 10 feet away on a bate is scary. Think of one chasing you while your fighting a fish. Then after all that I would check for dampness. LOL
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Roxie on February 16, 2019, 03:29:50 PM
Jeff, if I went through half of what you have already been through, I'd be taking anything (legal or not) to get some relief. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on February 17, 2019, 12:27:10 PM
Satan is real and is banished to earth to pester us.  He tormented Jesus in the wilderness for 40days like he's doing to you. 

  Jesus reply, "get behind me Satan" seemed to work. Try that one.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 17, 2019, 12:36:50 PM
I would imagine that episode had much to do with my upbringing as a preacher's kid.

 This morning was different.  I was seeing lights flashing in my vision like a stray flashlight. I opened my eyes and could see light darting around outside of the window in the dark. I rose up in bed and looked out my bedroom window. My bedroom window of the house I had not slept in for 40 years again. I saw someone in the yard in the dark now shining a flashlight at the ground in the yard, and hurrying towards the edge of the hill and down to the road that was part of my childhood home.  I fell back to the bed, then tried to swing my feet to the floor so I could pull some cloths on and rush outside to find out what this guy was doing. Back to the real world I came, unable to move, now knowing where I really was. I started calling for help and within a few moments Tammy was shaking me awake.

I hope my son can get me another dose of thc soon so I can see if these stop for a week again.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: JJ on February 17, 2019, 06:30:26 PM
I have nightmares, that I realize in my dream is a nightmare.   Cant wake up, but I have found once I realize it is a dream, I can change course..  Either by ignoring the phobia (walking around office or lunch room basically naked (enter Sigmund)), or changing the course into happier things.

I once had series of nightmares where I would try and try to get airborne with deadly results (I fly a lot for work, and should not watch those plane disasters on U-tube) or cannot get things together/packed for leaving..   I change this by leaving the scene, dream walking off to something/anything else..  Leaving the unflyable/unpacked/unfixed items behind.

Maybe instead of fighting directly to wake up, try judo and redirect into a better dream.  If you feel you are partly conscious, maybe you can refocus and change the dreams.

   Good luck Jeff
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 17, 2019, 06:57:00 PM
my "like" of your post 111 is meant as a show of support. :)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 17, 2019, 07:36:10 PM
JJ, what people do not understand is sleep paralisis and the accompanying hallucinations are not a dream. It is some sort a physical altered state. Its not a case of thinking im concious.  I am.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on February 17, 2019, 07:41:52 PM
You need to start writing movie scripts jeff.  
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 18, 2019, 09:25:40 PM
Bizarre it all is.

At 1:30 A.M. this morning I woke up from a dream. I had dreamed that i had went down the hall to our bathroom. When  I opened the door, things had changed. The bathroom was now a long, dark, narrow room with the toilet lit with what seemed a dim spotlight. The room extended to dark past the toilet that now sat in the middle of the room somewhere.

The toilet was canted severely backward. I walked up to it and saw the backside had collapsed into the floor and the floorboards behind it were broken. Like something very heavy had sat on it, leaned back, and broke through the floor. In the dream i decided to just go back to bed. The dream was fresh im my mind when I woke up. I got up, and went to the bathroom, and there  i actually found the bathroom had changed into exactly what was in my dream. Oh! I know what this is now. There i am, Still laying down and unable to move. I start calling for help. Once again Tammy had a hard time getting me out of it. She got me sat up and I fell over the other way and went right back into not moving. She shook me some more and eventually got me out of the episode.  

After Tammy left for work this morning, i had another episode, but pure paralysis. No sideshow.  I knew I was alone and just fought out of it. It feels today like all my muscles in my arms and neck and back are strained. Like what would happen if you over did trying to move something to heavy to move.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 19, 2019, 04:01:09 AM
wow!!!
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 19, 2019, 07:49:03 AM
I sure hope my son can get me some doses soon. The problem here is now that it is legal, it's not available.

Last night at 3:30 Something laid down behind me. It then rolled up firmly against me like a wall. I tried to move away but I was frozen. What ever was behind me had an ominous presence and my fear factor rose quickly. I could hear it making noises. Not breathing. More like rustling. The fear factor went up and I started calling for Tammy. I heard her coming and as soon as I did, the thing behind me revealed itself. It was the back of the couch that I had pressed myself into the corner of to keep from rolling on my back. Tammy shook me out of it quite quickly.  5 episodes in 4 days is extreme.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 13, 2019, 10:19:04 PM
So as you don't need to watch net flicks tonight...

I had went 5 days without an episode until last night. So the one last night, I called and called and my mouth and throat went dry so then I could barely make a noise.  I finally heard Tammy coming. She grabbed my arm with both hands and squeezed. I noticed her hands were like ice. I said shake my arm in a very last horse voice. She still didn't shake, just squeezed a bit harder. That's when I heard her coming again. The cold hands let go just as Tammy really got there. It took her several seconds to shake me out of this one. It's like I've  become my own scary movie.  Night night everybody.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on March 14, 2019, 04:58:50 AM
Ever follow Joe Rogan's podcasts? He's probably near the top of the list. He has some interesting guests, some real scientists. Once in awhile someone who studies what's going on in the brain and what substances or trauma influence things up there. There is also a lot of other guests full of fluff that will probably make you laugh if nothing else. ;)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: ponderosae on November 03, 2019, 01:25:57 AM
If this happened to me, I'd drink between one to three liters of water every night before I went to bed, so I'd have to get up at least a couple of times to take a leak... I mean it already pisses you off, right? Or make some of that a sports drink, so you don't get a fluid imbalance, which can also cause a temporary paralysis (such as Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypokalemic_periodic_paralysis)... either too little or too much potassium may cause paralysis, for instance, so the fluid balance shouldn't be overlooked, as a wild guess—I see that they mention this in the sleep paralysis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis) article, coincidentally—I'd read about it here (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20301512), initially, along with various articles about fluid balance, because there are lots of electrolytes involved, which are affected by thermoregulation, etc.), but usually the problem is that people simply need to drink more water (just not too much).

I'll probably do that myself anyway (I don't like sleeping all night, without a reality check somewhere in the middle of a strange dream, when nature calls).

By the way, I hadn't noticed that this topic had several pages, so now I see where you've said that you may get up several times a night already, if you've had something of a diuretic, perhaps. Well, water is not a diuretic, unless you drink an excessive amount (although it may seem like one if what you eat is causing that), so it could be that your diuresis is indicative of a fluid imbalance anyhow.  It may help to try drinking water and sports drinks (a.k.a. oral rehydration solution (http://www.chefinresidency.com/2012/04/make-your-own-gatorade-stay-hydrated.html) or isotonic beverages (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372905/), in which the glucose is necessary for absorbing the electrolytes and balancing your brain chemistry (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3900881/), as well... maybe a bit too much info there, but it's food for thought at least).  It would be excessive to eat lots of salt in addition to that, except to get some iodine occasionally (if it isn't in your vitamin supplement). Just saying, it could be worth a try, and I guess that sleeping on your back could possibly work to optimize circulation (along with optimizing hydration), because if you lay on the limbs, they might tend to 'fall asleep', which could give you the sensation of paralysis (or maybe that's just me).

Oddly enough, talking about sleep keeps me awake, so I also looked into how potassium may be associated with sleep studies, and 'potassium channels' are mentioned to some extent along with sleep disorders.  Beyond that, a recent study says "a significantly strong correlation was identified between K+ [potassium] and REM sleep in men" who are hypertensive (Decreased serum potassium may disturb sleep homeostasis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30446708)).

Potassium excretion also varies depending on the sleep/wake pattern and affects blood pressure in the process: Role of Circadian Rhythms in Potassium Homeostasis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3803104/)

Other information seems to indicate that low blood sugar or high sodium intake can lead to potassium levels dropping, which could be why a fluid balance isn't necessarily maintained by having some potassium in the diet (if the rest of the diet is not balanced).

An imbalance of this electrolyte (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte#Physiological_importance) can be associated with sleep disturbances and/or paralysis at times, FYI.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: alan gage on January 09, 2020, 11:17:29 AM
Hope you've been seeing some improvement on this front, Jeff.

My cousin just said she's been experiencing sleep paralysis recently and also mentioned hypnagogic halucinations. I looked that up and it sounds like what you had going on. I'm sure you're already aware of that term but I wanted to mention in just in case.

Alan
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on January 09, 2020, 11:28:28 AM
Yes, well aware of the term and know exactly what it describes.

I had been doing well, but I have had 4 events of late, 3 days in a row leading up to the day of the events I am currently experiencing  described in the full members board, and one yesterday morning that was most difficult to emerge from.  It's  not within me to just try and ride these out. I fight my way out, and that can leave me mentally drained.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 26, 2021, 10:35:50 PM
Its funny, it has been over a year since I updated this topic. I thought about it because of a pretty unsettling episode a couple mornings ago. I've been really doing well on the episode front. Maybe one a month or so versus the multiple episodes a night I was having before. Until this last month.  I look on here and see wow, it looks like this may be a seasonal thing, or something related to the seasons.  I've had 4 episodes this last week. 2 in one night, but all just the ordinary generic, "oh, I'm awake and I can't move versions." Nasty. Except this last one. THis one started out to be one of the will this ever end versions of the sleep paralysis, where I am calling for help, or THINK I am calling for help, and no one comes, and it goes on and on and on. Well, this one, finally, I hear tammy coming. She gets to me, leans in, and I hear in this, how do I describe it, in this hissy, slow, but clear, whisper. "I won't wake you up. I won't wake you up. I won't wake you up. Right then Tammy does come tearing around the corner and shakes me out of it.  I know this one has unnerved me more than usual, simply because the last two nights now, as soon as I lay down, I hear the whisper in my mind, worried I'll have another episode before I even go to sleep. This episode happened at 6 in the morning! I had already been up, but Tammy had not. I laid on the couch and went to sleep there.

I've got some stuff going on right now that has been weighing on my mind, and I am sure this has a lot to do with it. I'm fine, I just wanted to make a record of this time while it is still vivid. I read back over some of my other episodes. I am glad I wrote them down here. Some are just as vivid as when they happened when I read back, and some I only slightly recall and never would without the record, which I think may prove to be important some day.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Don P on February 26, 2021, 10:58:49 PM
Daylight has improved by a couple of hours, but have you been cooped up this week?

Ahh, you just sold the property, that's bound to be pushing some buttons.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: thecfarm on February 27, 2021, 05:14:05 AM
I'm surprised one of your dogs don't sense something is wrong.
Good on the posting idea.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Magicman on February 27, 2021, 08:12:04 AM
PatD asked me last week "if you had been experiencing any more episodes"?  I said "guess not that you had not mentioned it".  We were both hoping that it had subsided, but now see that it has not.   :-\
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on February 27, 2021, 08:21:06 AM
Lotta stress this last couple weeks, but it is the kind of stress that hpoefully results in a well worth it result.  I'm in the midst of a process that is very important for me personally
.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Hilltop366 on February 27, 2021, 08:34:36 AM
Stress does weird things, my daughter suffers from high anxiety and panic attacks and when something elevates her stress levels like sleeping away from home she describes some "dreams" that sound similar to what you describe.

Full moon coming up too, suppose it matters?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on February 27, 2021, 08:49:29 PM
Hang tough Jeff!
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: donbj on February 28, 2021, 05:28:52 PM
Quote from: Jeff on February 27, 2021, 08:21:06 AM
Lotta stress this last couple weeks, but it is the kind of stress that hpoefully results in a well worth it result.  I'm in the midst of a process that is very important for me personally
.
Jeff, just browsed through this thread. What a tough thing to deal with, sorry to see this! May be a shot in the dark but I wonder if it would be worth looking into a type of drug that helps control epilepsy. Some things you describe are kinda similar to what an epileptic seizure can produce. One of our daughters suffered from epilepsy from about 5 yrs of age and in her teens it went away. That was a blessing!
Anyway it might be worth discussing with a doctor that knows his stuff on this subject. I know epilepsy drugs can be useful for other things as well. I wish you well on this, horrible thing to bear.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 01, 2021, 08:18:33 AM
photo period definitely alters my psyche
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 01, 2021, 09:50:45 AM
I'm pretty sure I have been afflicted with this since my earliest memories, occasionally, it can be entertaining but rarely.  Like the dream where I invented the cold plate for keeping milk cold on the counter. :D

Sometimes the events and dreams seem to have weird connections.  For example, I still remember this one, simply because I've related about it a few times over the years, but never wrote about it that I can recall.

The dream was that my very much missed friend Joe Wade, his wife and Tammy and I were some place. It was a huge HUGE expansive building. It had a resort inside. Trees, and boats. Inside!  We started to walk around and I heard a voice call out a greeting. HEY JOE! It said.  Joe was the middle school janitor in Harrison for over 30 years. You can NOT go with Joe Wade ANYWHERE without him running into someone that knows him. "HEY JOE!" the voice called, and it was unmistakably the voice of George W. Bush.  DUBBYA! Joe exclaimed.   At this point I look up around the top of the building and notice people carrying suitcases into rooms that rung the upper perimeter and said, Hey, I gotta go find a bathroom.   If I have to pee, I tend to dream about trying to find a toilet.  In this dream, there was a huge restroom sign. No aearching required. I went to the sign and I went through the door, and saw that I had entered a huge, huge, baren room. A room either so big, or so non-descript, that the walls and ceiling were missing. In the center of the space was a white toilet. No walls or stall. just a stark white toilet in the middle of a huge room with a long line of very tall black men, waiting in a line to use it I guess, but they were just standing in a line. No one using the toilet. I turned, left, and the dream was ended. No paralysis

It was quite sometime later that someone sent me a video of Bill Dance touring what was to become the Bass Pro Pyramid at Memphis.   After watching the video I thought WOW! THIS IS THE PLACE I SAW IN MY DREAM!!  As far as I know, I had never ever heard anything about this place before. Heck, it was still being built I saw.  

I am not a pro basketball fan, so I didn't know that the building had been the home of the "Jazz" who ended up moving to Utah. I was really wanting to go visit the place once it got opened so I did a little research and found this story:

https://theportalist.com/the-memphis-pyramid

The builders of the Memphis Pyramid hoped that it would be that city's answer to such famous landmarks as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, promising a laser light show and homages to the city's musical history. Memphis could use the boost that such an ambitious project would bring—at least, so reasoned its planners.

But the pyramid was plagued with problems from before it even opened its doors. A torrential rain storm delayed construction and plans for shops and amenities in the structure fell through, including a music museum, a shortwave radio station, a nearby theme park, and a Hard Rock café. (Keep that last one in mind, as it will be important later.)  
When the Memphis Pyramid did finally open its doors in 1991, its grand opening was a concert by country duo the Judds. Unfortunately, when a packed house all poured into the restrooms at the same time, the combined stresses of all those flushing toilets proved too much for the city's sewer transfer station. The toilets backed up, flooding the arena with sewage. It seemed that the Memphis Pyramid was off to a less-than-auspicious start.

Bill Dance Tours Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/QJJ-f2K4LEM)

I did get to visit the Pyramid years later on the way to Magicman's and once I entered, knew it was the place I had dreamed about before I even knew about it. I even knew there was a toilet issue... :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 01, 2021, 10:01:36 AM
Sometimes the dreams reveal revelations. Like this one:

Quote
So, I had a dream night before laast that caused me to stop anything else I was doing on M.R. Truck and address what happened in the dream.  I dreamed that one of the little neighbor girls had climbed up in the truck, which they do, because they like the truck. As I was watching, the little head disappeared below the windshield. That's when I heard the engine turn over and saw the truck lurch forward suddenly because she had scooted down in the seat and pushed the start peddle and the truck was in gear.

I have dreams like that all the time about things I never think of while I am awake. In this case, I woke up knowing I had a safety issue.  The starter peddle is wired directly to the starter. There is no neutral safely switch on this truck and shutting the key off only prevents the truck from starting, not from turning over.

So, after short consideration, I've installed a 12 volt shut off switch this morning. I put it in the center of the riser of the seat platform. The key locks in when it is on, and can be removed when in the off position.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170811_101943.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1502461604)


Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: snobdds on March 01, 2021, 12:52:16 PM
CBD oil seems to be a wonder drug for Epilepsy and similar conditions.  

It might be worth a shot, some of these poor people with Epilepsy see some dramatic imporvement. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 08, 2021, 05:56:41 AM
Ive had dejavu and premonitions since about 5.  The strongest one i experienced many times and then lived it out in real time with an absolute stranger when i was 20, on deployment to the desert.  I spoke the exact words in unison that he said to me, as he said them, like a chant, as i had seen myself do so many times before.  It freaked him right out. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: aigheadish on March 08, 2021, 09:54:13 AM
My wife has mentioned that she feels like she has what she describes as sleep paralysis a few times, but she is a pretty light sleeper and I think she may be dreaming she has it. Dreams and our brains are super weird and the timing of things is so strange, in that what could be only a few seconds of wake time could feel like hours in the dream world.

Not to make this any more of a drug themed topic, but I'll say in my younger days MJ would make it so I slept well and I tended to not remember my dreams (which, for me, is good, but I read it isn't for you @Jeff (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1) ). It sounds like you are having some mixed results with that. I'd be interested to know if you tried any of the CBD products also? I've also seen documentaries about some semi-recent benefits of psilocybin and ptsd and migraines. Again, from my younger days I experienced those times enough to know that it had huge effects on the way my brain works and none of it in bad ways. 

The whole thing sounds like a pretty terrible experience and I hope you find relief.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Gearbox on March 08, 2021, 09:27:47 PM
Jeff what ever you are going through .I can only pray that it gets sorted out . It's got to be tough not to know when the next one will come . Hang in there you have lots of us behind you .
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Old saw fixer on March 09, 2021, 10:15:05 AM
     Mike, +1 on the déjà vu and premonitions.  It's spooky.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on July 11, 2021, 09:07:44 AM
This is kind of my journal on this, so l feel I need to make an entry. After many many weeks of just a few generic episodes, last night was a night I do not want to relive. I'm not willing to relate the particulars, but it was a all night affair. Everytime I got woke up, and went back to sleep, the same theme would pick up where it left off. I was exausted from too much sun working on replacing a friend's 5th wheel roof that was taken out in a barn collapse. I went to bed nauseated at 8am. I feel good this morning and I hope this is behind me. Good days are easily wiped out by a night like that and new nights are feared.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on July 11, 2021, 09:29:45 AM
sorry to hear that.  I hope the time lapse means you had a good run, with not as much distress.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Tacotodd on July 11, 2021, 10:18:44 AM
I've heard that stuff like that can be from Aliens  ;)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on July 11, 2021, 11:04:36 AM
I get my migraines after the stress is over.  usually a big seemingly unsurmountable turn of events (common in medicine these days)  and with a change in sleep pattern, irregular, too much or too little.  I have a "holiday" migraine pattern.  I used to get a migraine within an hour of getting grades each semester in college.  I suffered a transient global amnesia episode for 4 hours several months ago.  we under estimate the importance of sleep.  night shift folks do not in general live as long.  not the same as your episodes, but seems to be a sleep disorder.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on July 11, 2021, 03:07:55 PM
My years on 3rd shift definitely took their toll, especially when kids came along and sleep was just revoked for days. 


Sorry to hear on the update jeff.  Hope it improves. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: SwampDonkey on July 11, 2021, 04:59:02 PM
Yeah, I would say exhaustion really tossed you to the wolves. Hope things settle down with your night episodes.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on July 11, 2021, 06:23:32 PM
It was just one night. I was on top of a fifth wheel trailer in the sun much of the day yesterday helping replace it. I came home, ate, got nauseous and very tired. I took a shower and crashed on the bed at 8:30. Without my usual nightly rituals. My body was done. My mind was not. Today I tried to keep both equally busy.  If my mind is tired and my body is not, I'm generally good.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Peter Drouin on July 14, 2021, 07:24:29 PM
I thought you were smoking funny things to fix that.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on July 14, 2021, 09:50:18 PM
I didnt that night. I just went to bed, I have since and been ok since as well.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Roxie on July 15, 2021, 03:17:17 AM
What Peter said and don't do that again.  :-*
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: HemlockKing on July 15, 2021, 06:52:53 AM
Quote from: Peter Drouin on July 14, 2021, 07:24:29 PM
I thought you were smoking funny things to fix that.
Pretty sure you don't even need to smoke cannabis for that relief, just Cbd oil should give you the effects you're looking for, unless Jeff wants the additional effects as well lol 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on July 15, 2021, 09:01:25 AM
Tried cbd to start. No results. Tried thc only after it became recreationaly legal here as no way was I adding my name to a medical weed government list. The results were remarkable and documented earlier in the topic.  When the doctors would try mood stabilizing drugs on me, mostly I would get worse, or have side effects with no help for the sleep paralysis. I typically use it once I feel like I'm within an hour or so of turning in and know I am in for the night. If Tammy is not home, I also don't use in case I'd have to go out for some reason. A plus is I can grow my own medication. Hopefully anyone coming to the pigroast will not be offended by this years crop growing inside the fence. :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: aigheadish on July 15, 2021, 10:35:07 AM
I'm glad to hear you have found something that is helping. If I was coming to the pigroast I'd bring you a tie-dyed shirt so you felt more at ease with your plants. :)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Roxie on July 15, 2021, 11:44:23 AM
Currently wearing her tie dyed Grateful Dead tee shirt.  :D

I have asked to be buried wearing that my jeans and in bare feet. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Iwawoodwork on July 15, 2021, 12:41:57 PM
My opinion , that weed should be legal nation wide, even though I have only used the salve on neck after a fall.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Don P on July 15, 2021, 10:34:09 PM
I got a chuckle out of that Roxie. My aunt has always hated wearing shoes. Several times when they have been in mid "discussion" I've heard my cousin say "Mama, I'm gonna bury you with your shoes on!"  :D.

... Belben got ZZ Top playing in the jukebox in my head days ago.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Peter Drouin on July 16, 2021, 06:29:20 AM
Quote from: Don P on July 15, 2021, 10:34:09 PM
I got a chuckle out of that Roxie. My aunt has always hated wearing shoes. Several times when they have been in mid "discussion" I've heard my cousin say "Mama, I'm gonna bury you with your shoes on!"  :D.

... Belben got ZZ Top playing in the jukebox in my head days ago.


:D :D :D :D :D good one.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Roxie on July 16, 2021, 06:43:11 AM
That threat if spoken to me would immediately reverse my course.  :D

Saw ZZ Top in concert several times and at one venue I had drug a coworker with me. She was just sitting there and a few songs later, I pointed out to her that not standing and dancing was akin to not rising for the National Anthem. 

Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on July 16, 2021, 05:53:25 PM
I was too young to go to any dead shows but i saw bob weir after jerry died in an indoor theater and the nosebleed seats were fogged in pretty heavy.  

Still got all my TDK bootleg tapes.  Henry sings a line or two of dire wolf pretty often. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: WDH on July 16, 2021, 06:31:29 PM
Went to see ZZ Top during my wasted youth.  The acoustics were so bad in that building and they were playing so loud, that all you could hear was Wah Wah Wah Wah.  Didn't really make much difference  :D.  
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Don P on July 16, 2021, 08:42:23 PM
I knew I was aging out when I listened to Pink Floyd from 3 miles away and enjoyed it much more  :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on July 16, 2021, 08:59:09 PM
In KC we had the Kiki's soul accordion band.  Cajon music and with 12 horns in a small restaurant/bar Kiki's Cajon bar and grill.  you could yell something to a friend but hear nothing if the horns were blowing.  could not understand the lyrics so I bought a cassette.  remember those?  turned it on by the pool, then could understand the lyrics, and had to turn it off. naughty naughty.   :D :D :D
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Wudman on July 19, 2021, 08:47:15 AM
I just returned from "Southern Rock - Woodstock" (held in Woodstock, VA).  It was a 10 hour music festival (cover bands) paying homage to the Southern Rock Bands.  Virginia just legalized the product as of July 1.  The haze may have cleared out of the valley by now.  I attempted to stay on the upwind side of things.  :D

Wud    
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: moosehunter on July 28, 2021, 03:30:29 PM
@Wudman (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=624) , my little sister was at the Woodstock show. Said she worked it so she could get in free. I think she said she worked the gate.
mh
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 24, 2022, 04:30:37 AM
I forget what it is to look forward to sleep. Night is to be endured.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 24, 2022, 08:51:32 PM
Real sorry to hear that jeff.

If i may ask, How is your blood sugar, and are you on statins for cholesterol?
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: Jeff on March 25, 2022, 07:50:10 AM
Mike, I'm on no other meds, my cholesterol has never been high and my blood sugars, even when I weighed 330, has never been an issue. I seem to have a defective braIn.  I'm at 2 years now with the weight gone.
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 25, 2022, 03:16:08 PM
 :-\

in my travels trying to fix the wifes MS like symptoms i have come across a lot of other disease and brain info and have listened to a lot of cutting edge neurologists and endocrinologists lectures now.  seems like a hundred of them. the pioneers seem to be making great strides in preventing or even reversing alzheimers and related brain issues via dietary changes in their private practices, relating to insulin and inflammation complications that effect the brain in ways i cant even understand much less translate.  what i do grasp is many many people are getting it as a consequence of insulin resistance and also from statins to reduce cholesterol when cholesterol is a repair device, not the vandal.  

obviously im no doctor and i really dont know anything.  dale bredesen, david perlmutter and terry wahls are the doctors id be sifting through on youtube off the top of my head.  i bet those will suggest other great ones as well.

personally i am seeing refined sugar tied over and over as the poison at the heart of just about anything "incurable" today.  name a disease and i can find big name clinical research tracing it back to insulin. you cant get me to touch a mountain dew these days.


will be praying for you jeff.  you can try loading up on healthy fats that dont spike insulin and see what happens.  pecans, egg yolks, butter, olive or avocado oil, walnuts, swiss cheese, fatty fish. and fibrous leafy greens like broccolli, kale, etc.  see if that helps the night issues. my understanding is good fats are critical in the brain and are sorely lacking in our modern food supply.  lemon water and apple cider vinegar also have some important stuff in them. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 25, 2022, 05:19:41 PM
robert lustig is another name i trust to tell the truth no matter how unpopular it is at harvard or the american heart association. he is a neuro-endocrinologist. 
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 25, 2022, 09:50:49 PM
any history of kidney stones, gout or high blood pressure?  
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: doc henderson on March 27, 2022, 11:44:24 AM
You can have a spike in insulin without a spike in sugar, but that is type 2 DM, and diagnosed with a glucose tolerance test.  not sure it applies to sleep paralysis.  
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 31, 2022, 07:03:09 PM
Ketogenic diet rescues cognition in ApoE4+ patient with mild Alzheimer's disease: A case study - PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336463/)

https://hvmn.com/blogs/podcast/restoring-brain-function-with-fat-ft-dr-mary-newport-ep-112

The SHOCKING TRUTH About The KETO DIET | Dom D'Agostino on Health Theory - YouTube (https://youtu.be/hu1mF8_QGJE)
Title: Re: Sleep Paralysis
Post by: mike_belben on March 31, 2022, 10:40:49 PM
The ketogenic diet (or anything that increases BHB) appears to have a lot of well proven clinical benefits in fueling the brain, reversing cognitive decline and inflammation which likely go hand in hand. This is one of many, many papers.

A new way to produce hyperketonemia: use of ketone ester in a case of Alzheimer's disease - PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25301680/)