Sleep paralysis? causes + do i have it?

Question

i keep having these terrifying dreams/episodes where i wake up, and see nothing but blackness for about 15 seconds, then i will see someone with a needle coming towards me. i have trisketophobia (a chronic fear of needles). i cannot move at all when this happens, cannot scream, cant do anything. its caused me to have an asthma attack, and i wake up covered in sweat, absolutely terrified. ive never had anything like this before... my best friend died a few months back, could it be caused by this?

what the h**l is happening to me? and how can i stop it? i cant stand to have this happening, these dreams are the most terrifying thing thats ever happened to me. i have panic attacks even reading about or hearing someone talk about getting injections, and ive stayed home from an overseas holiday because it meant getting travel vaccinations.

so u can imagine how terrifying this is. i cant move, cant talk or anything, i dont know whats happening, please help! how can i stop this?

Answer 1

Sleep paralysis is a somewhat different condition than you're describing.  Sleep paralysis occurs when the brainstem does not fully switch from "sleep" to "awake", typically through a malfunction of the locus ceruleus.  This causes a (usually temporary) paralysis, which can be quite disconcerting to awaken to.

What you're describing sounds more like a strong anxiety reaction to intense nightmares.  While it is possible this may be related to stress from losing your friend, it is impossible to say for sure.  If this persists for an extended period of time, consider pursuing treatment for your phobia.  This will equip you with better coping mechanisms, and help you overcome these unpleasant experiences.