I never take complaints like this lightly.  On the one hand, the last time that you say this happened was years ago if i understood you correctly and you seemed to be fine after the experience.  On the other hand, it sounds like some kind of cerebral experience that you would want to get checked out to rule out a TIA (event that precludes a stroke) or other vascular issue.  You don't mention if you are in a sleep stage when this happens and again it might be related to a normal phenomenon - but i would get it checked out with your doctor.

I've only just woken up from having a simialr sensation and found this having googled it. I am 20 and I'd say that I am quite fit and healthy. This first happened to me about a year ago and if I told my story of what happened I'd be writing word for word what the original poster wrote.

I have learnt that I can stop the sensations by waking myself up with a jolt which is often quite difficult but this never seems to stop it happening again and again once I fall back alseep not long after.

Any further information on this would be much appreciated.

Ok, I have had this before and I still do now, I have it everynight...But it would be nice if you guys put in some details like what your doing before it happens as for me I sleep fine through the night Its when I wake up and fall asleep again I know when the sensation happens I am aware My body is awake but my brain isnt..for an example I can control my breathing during these episodes its just as if I am awake..I do not believe in Demons or Spirts or Ghosts I believe It is a mental condition....Your lacking sleep/excersise....tell me what you do all day.

Its also Lack Of Electrolytes and Salt....Your Brain NEEDs these for communication with your body...Your simply out of Sync with your body which is why you cannot move yet your aware...it can also be caused by anxiety..I have anxiety and it plays a major role in these Episodes....anxiety makes it so you cannot relax....Before ths happens to me I become aware during a dream then i think about the Problem then it happens....what you all should do is relax sleep is natural you shouldnt worry about it the human mind is very powerful it can make your thoughts come to life literally.....I dont think sleep paralysis plays a part in this, Jerry..Sleep Paralysis is said to be caused during REM Stage of Sleep right? So pretty slim chance of that happening seeing that REM stage Lasts 60-90 minutes and is the last stage of sleep... I understand that If woken up during REM stage and then return sleeping your brain does not follow the normal order of sleep but instead continues REM until finished...Which may be the reason Why i Suffer when i return to sleep....I do not have answers I am simply Saying what I think and know....Good Luck With overcoming your problem...and P.S. 3-4 Jolts Should Wake you up for the people who dislike it.