Why does this happen

[meanwhileupnorth]

It doesn't happen very often but it did last night and I got a bit anxious about it.

I was in bed listening to audible and suddenly felt as though I was going unconscious and slipping away then suddenly came back with a fright.

It isn't the same feeling as drifting off or that falling feeling when your going to sleep. It's hard to explain but it's as though I'm fainting. I led a different way but was scared to close my eyes. It's happened only about 5 times from when I can remember over a few years.

I've had yearly health checks with nothing wrong and never had problems with blood pressure.

2 years post menopause, 49 and reasonably healthy.

I also get this sometimes! No idea what it is but it can be quite scary

me too

theres a name for it, which obviously i cant remember now! its harmless but you could check with your GP if youre worried

i icant sleep on my back as this happens, or has happened

This sounds similar to sleep paralysis. I avoid sleeping on my back because of this.

You were falling asleep and briefly experienced sleep paralysis.

Thinking about it, it always happened when I start off on my left side, never happened on the right.
I'm glad it's not just me though, it really scares me 🥺

I'm not sure if it's sleep paralysis, I've had that before in the morning when I've tried to wake up and tried to talk or even shout out but I can't move a muscle. This is different, I'm awake and as though I'm slipping awake then suddenly come back. It takes my breath away.