This used to happen to me in my late teens but has not occurred for twenty years now. Yesterday evening though it returned. I also had very vivid images of me moving around although I new I was paralysed. I imagined myself trying to pull my eyelids open and had a feeling of increased anxiety and fear. A very scary experience. I spoke to my partner and my parents about it and my mum thought it may be a mini stroke!! (I am only 39). I think it is sleep paralysis but it happened directly from a conscious and aware state and took a matter of seconds to get there (or so it seemed). It felt like I was falling or being pulled out of the back of my body and a high pitched whine seemed to envelope me. Once I relaxed into it letting go the fear, and after several attempts, I just got up of the sofa, but I have not felt right since. It feels like it may happen again any moment. I'm afraid to close my eyes when sitting down

As for sleeping... I made myself stay awake until 4:30am for fear of feeling it again. I live on my own with my daughter (15) and frequently have my 2 year old son staying also.
Anyone experienced anything like this before?? Am gonna go to the docs in the morning as I am frightened for my kids. If they see me paralysed in the middle of the day that is not good at all...

Many thanks