Not Sure It's Narcolepsy?

by Suzanne
(Nebraska)

I am up right now because I awoke from another "frozen dream"...that's what I've referred to them as since I started having them over 15 years ago. I hate them and often times after I awake from one, I will keep myself up until I'm so tired I can't stay awake any longer...I obviously do this because I don't want to go through another episode of sleep paralysis (thanks to google I found your site so I finally know what the "real" definition of this terrifying experience is).

I usually experience 2-4 a month. Some nights I dread going to sleep because I fear them! The crazy thing is, they usually don't happen when I'm in my bed (please note, I said USUALLY...tonight though, it happened in my bed), they usually happen if I fall asleep on my couch and I'm usually sleeping on my side, not on my back.

I know research says no one has died from having these episodes and that a person should just try to relax through them...that is VERY difficult to do and I'm not sure how I could even manipulate my mind into relaxing when I can't move a muscle and my cognition is impaired due to hallucinations?

I currently take anti-anxiety medications as well as an antidepressant. When I have an episode of sleep paralysis, I usually take one more anti-anxiety pill to take the edge off and hopefully help me get back to sleep without further disturbances (the "extra" med has been approved by my MD, PRN).

A few questions though...does caffeine possibly exacerbate things? Can a person start out with "mild" symptoms and have things gradually turn into a full blown Narcolepsy diagnosis?

My story is a lot less severe than the ones that I have read but I fear things may progress into the actual Narcolepsy. Any input would be helpful and reassurance would be greatly appreciated!

Prayers to all!
Suzanne

Also, just an FYI side note to chew on....

For those of you who speak of suicide, please seek help...I lost my 17 year old son to suicide 6 years ago so I live a nightmare, every second of every day, that I will never be able to "awake" from. Those who are left behind become the recipients of unwanted pain caused by the selfish act of another. I DO know what it's like to be down and out however, I don't completely know the extent of your struggles with Narcolepsy except the pieces that you all have shared. Just keep pressing on and be persistent when you consult with your family practitioners and/or specialists (probably easier said than done as it all entails time, effort and expense). I just feel very strongly that IT IS the ethical obligation of medical practitioners to get a person headed in the right direction if they themselves have no answer.