Stop LD freak-out

Over the past year, I have started (unintentionally) having lucid dreams on occasion. It usually happens when I nap during the day, or, like last night, when I wake up in the middle of the night and go back to sleep. The moment I realize I'm dreaming, no matter whether the dream is good or bad, I just panic and want to wake up. I then go through a series of FA (usually dream I am where I fell asleep), while I try to rock my body, flail my arms, and yell out over and over and over, except I'm paralyzed and mute, until I finally wake up. I absolutely hate it. While it's happening I feel terrified and trapped, and afterwards, my mind and body are exhausted. And yet, I'm scared to fall back asleep in case it happens again.

I just want this to stop. Whether that means being able to stop becoming lucid; being able to slip back into the dream calmly after becoming lucid; being able to wake up quickly sans false awakenings and fighting sleep paralysis; or actually controlling the dream doesn't really matter to me. I just thought the members here might have some advice.

Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed!
Thanks!
Jennywren

Hi there my friend,
One thing I must say here is consider yourself lucky. Sleep Paralysis is a gateway towards unlimited possibilities. And one interesting thing here is, it's in front of you. If I were you, I would use this to my advantage. It's an opportunity that shouldn't be ignored my friend. The next time you experience it, just go with the flow. Imagine that it's just a roller coaster ride in bed. I'm sure you'll get used to it after some time.

But, if you want to really stop experiencing SP. I suggest you get a steady sleep schedule and try to avoid sleeping by your back and if all else fails and you encounter another SP, try moving your toes or your facial muscles to counter and stop it. Hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions :)

Sounds like you are just in sleep paralysis. Just relax, and enjoy the in between state.

Seems like you have the same problem I have had. When I was on an antidepressant (SSRI) I started experiencing sleep paralysis on regular basis, as well as lucid nightmares where I would be parylised and my only response at that time was to simply panic and try to open my eyes or move my body parts . That only resulted in false awakinings where I would be paralysed as well and unable to do anything other than sinking back into the original nightmare. That could happen maybe up to 5-6 times per dream.

I quit that particular medicine, which meant no more sleep paralysis, but the nightmare pesisted up till I found out about controlling it. Interestingly enough, I only had to use this control once in that particular nightmare, as I stopped being scared of it. That was two month ago, never had it since. I would definetely recommend doing the same. Above all - just remain calm, say to yourself that it is just a dream and nothing can hurt you there.