Visit Doctors
Visit
Visit
Call Doctors
Call
Call
Ask Doctors
Ask
Ask
Feed
Home
I am 23 years old, sometimes when i am half asleep i suddenly have muscle spasms, my hands become tied and can't move, increase heart beat, is this anxiety attack? (I am paranoid and always panicking)
May 7, 2013

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Your symptoms fit into the description of sleep paralysis, an alteration in the transition between the stages of sleep (rapid - eye movement or REM sleep and non-REM sleep). It can occur as you're falling asleep or as you're waking up. Causes include irregular sleep habits, stress /anxiety, psychological disorders (bipolar disorder), neurological diseases (narcolepsy), certain meds, or substance abuse. Diagnosis is based on full history +/- overnight sleep study. Mainstay of treatment is insuring adequate sleep habits and treatment of any underlying condition.
 •