Utterly fed up - perimenopause-related

[MoiraRose]

Going through perimenopause. Sleepless nights are catching up with me and I'm so utterly sleep deprived that I've started having (had it Wednesday and Friday) sleep paralysis and feeling there was somebody in my bedroom. I actually felt the bed go down as if someone was getting on it then felt like somebody/thing was next to me by the window, then I would wimper through closed lips but totally unable to move my head to see what was happening. The wimper wasn't even audible as I have a securiry camera in my bedroom looking onto front street but picks up sound inside and all I heard was me cough once.

I know it's not real, but I've never had this before and find it quite terrifying. DP just thinks it's funny "Oh, crazy Moira". I did google it and sleep paralysis fits all I've experienced.

Any tips? Would a doctor be interested or would it be a waste of an appointment somebody else might need? I feel like a zombie, and being scared of sleeping after having two of these attacks in the past few days alone is really not helping the already sleepless situation...

I’m sure a doctor would help you - it sounds like you’re really suffering and sleep deprivation can have unpleasant consequences. Don’t feel silly going to the doctor!

I used to suffer from sleep paralysis a lot in my 20s - ironically when I used to sleep really well. I hated it, and it was pre-any relationship so I'd be in bed alone too.
I don't sleep as much now in my 30s due to having DC but I haven't had an episode for many years. it's known to be linked to stress

I can't offer any tips on the peri menopause but what I would say is that when you feel the sleep paralysis happen, try not to panic and just say to yourself over and over that it's just a dream, don't try to fight it, and it will pass quickly.

I get this at times of stress and it's truly terrifying. It's always the same thing - an old woman pinning me down and trying to kill me. The only thing that worked was getting sleeping pills from the doctor to knock me out, but I couldn't use them much as children were still waking me up all night. The doctor said not to sleep on my back as that would slightly reduce the risk of it happening. It's an awful feeling when you are exhausted but scared to go to bed at night.

You need HRT. There is no reason to suffer like this.

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood