I'm very new to this forum and although I've read the rules, I may not be posting in the right place. If this is the case, please let me know and I will move it to the correct category.

This sensation began a few years ago and it occurs sporadically. The usual circumstance is that as I am beginning to fall asleep, I have the sensation of various body parts moving when my body is actually still. I have spent tons of time researching this but none of my research has really netted any answers. Let me go into detail of the first time it happened and then what happened last night.

The first time it happened, I was laying on the couch, on my back with both legs bent upright and resting on the couch back. As I started falling asleep, it felt like one of my legs was moving as if to slide off the couch. I was aware that my leg was not actually moving but the sensation was so strong that I forced myself to wake up and look. My leg had not moved and the moving sensation disappeared quickly when I forced myself to look. It was an odd sensation.

This has occurred several times a year for the past 5 years. Always as I am falling asleep. I've researched both OBE and Sleep Paralysis. I thought that perhaps it was the beginning of an OBE.

Last night, I had been asleep for a few hours when suddenly I was aware of the same sensation. I was sleeping in a recliner this time. (I broke my neck years ago and have trouble sleeping in a bed) I felt like I was sitting up this time. Each time this happens I've made myself go with it a little longer. Last night it felt like my entire torso was moving forward.

When this sensation happens there is tingling and a lightness but I do not "see" anything. I'm not watching myself move around. Nor do I see my inert body laying there like some have described. It's also somewhat scary. Not to sound dramatic but sometimes it feels as though my soul is separating from my body. I'm scared to let it continue so I wake myself up. I usually do this by telling myself to breath deeply or just to open my eyes. I'm aware while sleeping, if that makes sense.

Background info:
I've never had a long lucid dream but I'm capable of it for short amounts of time. I'm a 35 year old female. I don't take any drugs that would cause something like this although I do take medication for thyroid.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any insight would be welcome.