Hi whitebear, please do not get in a state over this, I know it is very frightening as I used to get this myself...it is sleep paralysis, where you body is asleep but your brain is awake, I too have had most of the symptoms you describe, and used to be afriad of going to sleep....the best advice I can give you on this, is go to bed later than usual as when you are very tired it doesnt seem to happen, and if it does happen to you again, dont try and fight it as this only makes it worse...relax as much as you can and you will snap out of it quicker...I also realised in the end that it is all stress related so try and deal with any problems you may have.....I really hope this is of some use to you and gives you some reassurance! x