Hi all!

Today I am going to be discussing my experience with sleep paralysis. This is not a pleasant post – and will probably sound quite disturbing to some – but I wanted to share it for others, who may be able to relate.

First off, let’s define sleep paralysis. Quite simply, it’s remaining conscious, without the ability to move or speak. It occurs when a person passes between the stages of wakefulness and sleep. It usually only lasts a few minutes, but in that short amount of time, one can experience some very frightening visuals. Some believe that evil spirits are drawn to a person experiencing sleep paralysis and will use that opportunity to torment them. If you Google scary sleep paralysis stories (do so at your own risk) you may be alarmed by what you read.

Sleep paralysis is typically caused by sleep deprivation or interrupted rest, so it’s no wonder it began happening more frequently in my final trimester of pregnancy/early stages of motherhood. However, I do remember specific instances in my lifetime of sleep paralysis, that were truly terrifying. If you’re curious, read on!

1. The Unbearable Stomach Pain

I hate this one and unfortunately for me, it’s recurring. I experience this particular type of sleep paralysis a couple of times a year and every single time, I am in agony. What happens is, I’ll wake up (unable to move or speak) and a random person will be sitting beside my bed (either I recognise them or I don’t). Without a word, they will press their hands on my stomach and push, until I’m silently screaming in pain. I feel every bit of it. They keep pushing until somehow I’m able to wake myself up fully. I always grab my stomach upon waking and it feels fine, but when I’m in the state of sleep paralysis, it is excruciating. I don’t know why this one keeps happening. It could possibly be related to past trauma, but I’m unsure. Either way, it’s awful.

Update: This was cured after undergoing EMDR Therapy.

2. The Shadowy Smooth Talker

This one is odd, but not entirely unpleasant. It’s only happened once. I woke up paralysed, around 4am one morning, whilst my room was still dark. There, at the end of my bed, was a man sitting in the shadows. He began to smooth talk me. I couldn’t move or speak and I cannot remember what he said, but before he left, he kissed me and disappeared. The kiss felt like hot wind blowing around my face. It was so strange!

3. The Soul-Sucking Demon

Not a fan of this one! It happened in my third trimester of pregnancy, when I was getting up every hour to pee. Towards the morning, I woke to see a demon hovering over my bed. Just like in Harry Potter, it resembled a Dementor. It opened its mouth wide and screamed, trying to suck my soul out. Its face was mere inches from mine, and the bed was shaking violently. I was convinced Francis would feel it and help me out, but of course, it wasn’t real. Much like the previous story, I felt hot wind on my face, from close proximity to the demon.

4. The Crying Baby

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard phantom baby cries at all hours of the day. However, when it transfers to sleep paralysis, it’s actually traumatic. I have woken up a few times to Abigail screaming; unable to move or attend to her. The good news is, when I force myself to wake for real, she’s actually asleep. The one I had recently, involved a demonic clown toy trying to attack me, as I wriggled away to get Abi. Horrifying! I feel like this was the cruelest of all, because it involved my child.

There’s no real reason why sleep paralysis can be so terrifying. Perhaps the inability to move, induces fear, which causes nightmare-type scenes to play out. For those that are still confused by this phenomenon, please understand, this is not a nightmare. When you’re having a nightmare, you’re asleep. Sleep paralysis happens when you are awake. Your brain and body have not yet synched up. 

Let me know if you have ever experienced sleep paralysis and what your stories are down below. I find this whole topic fascinating. I’m not sure how to ‘cure’ it but I’m certain once my sleep cycles return to normal, it will be less frequent. I hope!

Thank you for reading!

Peace & Love xoxo