I’m frightened to fall asleep

Q: Just as I drift off to sleep, I often have a vivid sensation that I'm fully awake and can see people in my room. My heart races and it takes a while for me to wake up and realise it's only a dream. Then I struggle to get back to sleep and feel very tired the next day. Now I dread going to bed. What's happening to me? Eva, 28

A: It sounds as though you are suffering from sleep paralysis, a condition that occurs just before falling asleep or after waking, and leaves you incapable of movement or speech. It tends to happen when normal sleep patterns are disturbed. Although you're not awake, your brain is active and vivid dreams or terrifying hallucinations are common.

To prevent it happening, avoid sleeping on your back as researchers have found most sufferers sleep in this position. Wind down properly at bedtime - take a relaxing bath or try deep breathing or meditation - and try to get seven or eight hours' sleep a night. Addressing any stress you're feeling can also help. If all else fails, your GP may prescribe a mild sleeping tablet.

Q: For the past few weeks I've had a dull, aching pain in the pelvic area around the crease at the top of my legs. It feels similar to period pains. Is it something serious? Teresa, 24

A: Discomfort around this area - the inguinal ligament - is often because of swollen lymph glands. These can become inflamed when there is an infection present, for example if you've developed a skin infection from a cut on your leg, or if you have an internal infection such as vaginal thrush.

A muscle strain is also a possibility. The aching could also be the result of problems in the womb, specifically the ovaries or cervix, or you could have an inflammation in the pelvis or Fallopian tubes, or an ovarian cyst. See your GP, who can carry out an examination and arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan if necessary.

EAT TO BEAT: MIGRAINES
With one in eight people in the UK suffering from migraines*, here's what we should eat to avoid them:

Berries Migraines are linked to low blood sugar and berries are low GI, which means they help to balance the body's blood sugar levels.

Nuts and seeds These are packed with magnesium, which prevents blood vessels constricting and headaches developing.

Leafy greens are also full of magnesium.

Water Dehydration can cause migraines, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

ASPIRIN OR A&E?

Symptom: Shooting pain in your arm.

You worry it's: A heart attack.

Don't panic: You may just have a trapped nerve in your neck, shoulder or elbow. If you have, the pain will remain in one area and you'll feel fine otherwise. Hit the hospital if: You feel faint, sweaty, nauseous and short of breath. Don't wait for the dramatic symptoms you see in films or on TV - in reality heart attack symptoms are often much less extreme. The most important thing to do is sit or lie down, stay calm and call 999 - the British Heart Foundation says you are three times more likely to survive if you call immediately.

Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk

COMPILED BY: SARAH-JANE CORFIELD SMITH, JULIETTE KELLOW PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, SCOPE BEAUTY PICTURE POSED BY MODEL *SOURCE: MIGRAINE ACTION (MIGRAINE.ORG.UK) DON'T TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU'RE UNDER 16

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