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Hi, When I Go To Lay Down For A Nap

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Posted on Mon, 18 Mar 2019
Twitter Mon, 18 Mar 2019 Answered on
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Question : Hi, when I go to lay down for a nap or go to bed at night just before I guess fall asleep my hole left side of my body will stiffen up and my head will turn left and I fell like I can’t breathe from 30 sec to a minute then everything fine other than my heartrate is fast?
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Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Sleep paralysis

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. The symptoms that you describe are likely from a condition called sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis occurs just as you are waking up or falling asleep, and though you are aware of your surroundings, you are unable to move or to take deep breaths. Usually these episodes last a few seconds to several minutes, but may sometimes last longer. The condition is not dangerous, but it can be very frightening, which can make your heart rate go fast. Usually these episodes occur a few times and then never happen again, but some people can get them more regularly. Usually the cause isn't known, but it can be brought on by changes in your sleep pattern, not getting enough sleep, things like that. The treatment is usually to make sure that you have a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment and that you are getting plenty of sleep. If the condition persists, sometimes certain medications that are also used for depression can help with this condition as well.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1200 Questions

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Hi, When I Go To Lay Down For A Nap

Brief Answer: Sleep paralysis Detailed Answer: Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. The symptoms that you describe are likely from a condition called sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis occurs just as you are waking up or falling asleep, and though you are aware of your surroundings, you are unable to move or to take deep breaths. Usually these episodes last a few seconds to several minutes, but may sometimes last longer. The condition is not dangerous, but it can be very frightening, which can make your heart rate go fast. Usually these episodes occur a few times and then never happen again, but some people can get them more regularly. Usually the cause isn't known, but it can be brought on by changes in your sleep pattern, not getting enough sleep, things like that. The treatment is usually to make sure that you have a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment and that you are getting plenty of sleep. If the condition persists, sometimes certain medications that are also used for depression can help with this condition as well. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.