Having To Take Deep Breath Before Falling Asleep

[Mitsus]

I hope someone here can help me identify my sleep problems.. The first one is every time my mind starts wandering on its own when I'm about to fall asleep, where I'm dreaming but in third person.. Not daydreaming, I'm actually dreaming but still awake, if that makes any sense. I'm not aware of myself being in this state as well, just as if I was dreaming. Anyway, when I'm in this state after about 20 seconds I snap out if it and have to take a deep breath as if my breathing was slower during that state, just like I was dreaming as well. This happens daily and it makes it hard to fall asleep some nights. My second problem is recurring sleep paralysis, at least twice a week or more. Usually on weekends when I stay up later than usual and sleep in. It only happens when I wake up not fall asleep, unless I'm going back to sleep from waking up. These are really terrifying as everyone here who has had one probably knows. I am always tired even though I get enough sleep (8-12 hours a day) especially when I wake up. This has been happening for a year or so.. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[Ailos]

The first problem you mention is common. Many of my actual dreams are entirely third person, I'm not a character within them, but rather I watch some story or another character instead. And that hypnogogic period you describe is also common. Concerning the mind wandering, that's entirely normal also, though it is a bit annoying at times. Anyone with an ego or a functioning left-cerebral cortex has a wandering/chattering mind. I also experience those "snap outs" of that stage, and it annoys me. It's like my mind suddenly realizes its in that on-the-way-to-sleep stage, and that mere observance causes it to snap out of it. Respiration rate also slows dramatically when resting or sleeping, so thats normal. If, however, you find you stop breathing all together (sleep apnea), you have to see a physician. Recurring sleep paralysis is a different problem. From what you describe, I would say the sleep paralysis is from sleeping too much. Some people don't realize that too much sleep is just as maladaptive as too little. You will be tired all day if you sleep too much (that groggy feeling). I have this problem as well. I will sleep continuously, despite how much I've already slept. I've sleept a good 14 hours before I believe. The key is to wake up and force yourself out of bed at around 9-10 hours (if you're in the 16-20 year age range). As you get older, this amount will lessen to around 7-8 hours. You may also want to regulate your sleep schedule; go to sleep the same time on the weekends that you do on weekdays, and try to wake up at around the same time. You'll see a lessening of sleep paralysis episodes if you do. Hope that helps!

[Mitsus]

My actual dreams are first person, I have excelent recall (I remember atleast 1 dream every night) and I am an avid lucid dreamer.. The reason I snap out of the wandering stage (when you're about to go to sleep) is because I have breathing problems, not because I relealize I'm in the state.

[Ailos]

Hmm, well then you may have a form of autonomic neuropathy, or perhaps a minor form of sleep apnea. There's not much you can do about neuropathy, it's just something your body does. For sleep apnea though, you can use breathing machines which blow a steady stream of air into a mask to keep your bronchial path open and clear. However, this only helps to prevent you from stopping to breath altogether, whilst you continue to breath, just slower. If it gets worse, I would see a physician. Otherwise, try to see if a regulated sleep schedule helps at all.