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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Difficulty In Opening The Eyes While Trying To Wake Up A Symptom Of Sleep Paralysis?

Hey, I'm not sure if what I just experienced was sleep paralysis but I just wanted to ask to find out? I was fully awake but had my eyes closed trying to fall asleep and I felt like a rush up my chest and in my heart and all of a sudden I was paralysed completely, I tried my hardest to open my eyes but couldn't. This probably only lasted about 5 seconds but still scared me. Is this sleep paralysis?
Fri, 22 Jun 2018
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Yes, this can be sleep paralysis. It is usually treated with counselling and self motivation. No treatment is required for mild cases. By your history and description, mild sleep paralysis is more likely. So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is mainstay of treatment. If it is still not controlled then anxiolytic and anti depressant drugs are given. Don't worry, you will be alright. Consult psychiatrist and discuss all these.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Is Difficulty In Opening The Eyes While Trying To Wake Up A Symptom Of Sleep Paralysis?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Yes, this can be sleep paralysis. It is usually treated with counselling and self motivation. No treatment is required for mild cases. By your history and description, mild sleep paralysis is more likely. So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is mainstay of treatment. If it is still not controlled then anxiolytic and anti depressant drugs are given. Don t worry, you will be alright. Consult psychiatrist and discuss all these. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.