8 Creepy Facts About Sleep Paralysis That Will Not Let You Sleep

Imagine you are about to fall asleep when suddenly you open your eyes and you canโ€™t move. You lie still on your bed, engulfed by an unknown fear.

Your heart beats faster and your chest starts to feel heavy. You feel a presence in your room and finally, you see itโ€ฆ. A dark shadow standing in the corner, approaching you.

Is this a dream? A hallucination? Or is this all real? You scream for help, but you canโ€™tโ€ฆ. You canโ€™t even breathe now as the entity moves in closer.
Can you imagine how scary that would be?

This terrifying experience is known as Sleep Paralysis and it belongs to a category of sleep-related conditions called parasomnias.

What is sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a state when you are awake and conscious, but your body is in a paralyzed state of sleep.

You may feel that you are conscious but unable to speak or move. You feel a sense of being choked or pressure on your chest.

You may also experience hallucinations โ€“ hear, see or feel things that are not real โ€“ which can cause fear, panic, and superstitious beliefs, like a demonic presence.

Although people with the sleep disorder narcolepsy are more prone to experience sleep paralysis, healthy individuals may also have this terrifying experience. 

This psychological state may be caused by a dysfunction in rapid eye movement or REM sleep and can be triggered by unusual sleep cycles, sleep deprivation, or stress. 

It is fairly common and is usually not considered dangerous. 

Here are some of the most fascinating facts about sleep paralysis.

8 Shocking Facts About Sleep Paralysis

1. Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep

Although little is known about sleep paralysis, scientists do believe that this state is related to the rapid eye movement or REM sleep stage.

During this sleep cycle, our brain has vivid dreams and prevents muscle function so that we donโ€™t physically act out those dreams and hurt ourselves or others. 

Sleep paralysis occurs when we wake up during this REM stage. Although we may regain consciousness, our body is still left paralyzed as the muscles have not received the brain signals to move.

This leads to confusion, panic, and fear.

2. It is NOT a paranormal phenomenon

Have you heard about the sleep paralysis demon?

People who experience sleep paralysis often report seeing or being attacked by a shadow being or demonic entity known as the sleep paralysis demon. Some others also report about being abducted by aliens.

Also known as incubus or succubus, these demons reportedly engage in sexual acts with the helpless victim. 

But regardless of the countless folk tales, movies, and alleged true stories of the sleep paralysis demon & UFO abductions, sleep paralysis is a form of sleep disorder and has nothing to do with supernatural forces.

Read Also, Sleep Paralysis: Astral Demons And Witch Wars

3. You can have scary hallucinations

Are these reports of scary beings, demons, or aliens seen during sleep paralysis real or simply hallucinations conjured by our sleeping mind?

While these scary creatures can be terrifying and intriguing, these are merely hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations that are different from normal dreams.

Although your experiences may seem real, the demons or aliens are certainly not. These hallucinations occur when you are waking up or falling asleep and can make you believe that your nightmares are real. 

As you wake up during REM sleep, you regain your consciousness but are still dreaming. No wonder so many people report seeing scary beings. But dreams are just thatโ€ฆdreams.

4. You feel physically โ€˜paralyzedโ€™

During an episode, you may be fully conscious but you lose the ability to control your muscles. This can make you feel unable to breathe, move or talk along with a feeling of being choked, suffocated, or tightness in the chest.

In this immobilized state, you feel threatened and defenseless as you struggle to breathe and scream for help. But this happens more due to a dysfunction in REM sleep than due to a demonic attack.

5. Sleep paralysis canโ€™t kill you

While there is no doubt that sleep paralysis can be extremely scary and frightening, it is actually harmless. Till now, there are no clinical records of death caused by sleep paralysis.

But people who have experienced this state often fear for their lives even though it cannot physically harm you. Sadly, superstitions and cultural explanations associated with this condition make it seem scary and mysterious.

6. We donโ€™t know what exactly causes sleep paralysis

Although scientists know that sleep paralysis is related to REM sleep, they are still not sure about what exactly causes an episode. 

While interruption in your sleep pattern can be a major factor; medications, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, sleeping on your back, and sleep disorders can trigger this sleep state.

Some experts also believe that sleep paralysis can be inherited, which means that if you have a family member who experiences sleep paralysis, then you are likely to experience it as well.

However, there is no clear cause or explanation for it yet.

All you need to do is get some undisturbed sleep, and you will be just fine.

7. Youโ€™re not sleeping during sleep paralysis 

During sleep paralysis, you are not in a state of sleep nor are you awake. It is a state of immobilized consciousness that occurs between wakefulness and sleep and may last for a few seconds or few minutes.

Sleep paralysis makes our senses hyper-aware, our mind active and our body paralyzed. In this unfamiliar space, our mind perceives nightmares as real experiences making us see ghostly or extraterrestrial entities. 

This is why we can remember the terrifying episodes more clearly than normal dreams or nightmares, as in waking dreams we are unable to distinguish between whatโ€™s real and whatโ€™s not.

8. It is more common than you think

Did you know that around 8% of people experience sleep paralysis once in their lifetime?

This sleep condition is fairly common and often experienced first in our teenage years, between the ages 14 and 17. However, you can experience it at any age and both men and women can suffer from this terrifying experience.

Sleep paralysis is a mysterious condition surrounded by superstitions and paranormal beliefs. But in reality, it is simply a disruptive sleep-related disorder that can cause hallucinations that seem all too real.

Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? Let us know in the comments section below.

Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Today’s Horoscope

  • Daily Horoscope 17 May 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

    Daily Horoscope 17 May 2025: Prediction For Each Zodiac Sign

    ๐ŸŒŸ Ready to unlock the secrets of 17 May, 2025? Discover your personalized horoscope and see what the stars have in store for you today! โœจ๐Ÿ”ฎ

    /

Latest Quizzes

Latest Quotes

Readers Blog

  • Divorce Detox – Offense Defense

    Divorce Detox – Offense Defense

    Divorce can be a tough life event. For some, divorce can be wonderful. Regardless of your perspective, there is one key concept that takes place in every divorce. That is, are you on the offensive or defensive? You may be asking yourself โ€“ What is he talking about? This isnโ€™t a sporting event with an…

    /

8 Creepy Facts About Sleep Paralysis That Will Not Let You Sleep

Written By:

Imagine you are about to fall asleep when suddenly you open your eyes and you canโ€™t move. You lie still on your bed, engulfed by an unknown fear.

Your heart beats faster and your chest starts to feel heavy. You feel a presence in your room and finally, you see itโ€ฆ. A dark shadow standing in the corner, approaching you.

Is this a dream? A hallucination? Or is this all real? You scream for help, but you canโ€™tโ€ฆ. You canโ€™t even breathe now as the entity moves in closer.
Can you imagine how scary that would be?

This terrifying experience is known as Sleep Paralysis and it belongs to a category of sleep-related conditions called parasomnias.

What is sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a state when you are awake and conscious, but your body is in a paralyzed state of sleep.

You may feel that you are conscious but unable to speak or move. You feel a sense of being choked or pressure on your chest.

You may also experience hallucinations โ€“ hear, see or feel things that are not real โ€“ which can cause fear, panic, and superstitious beliefs, like a demonic presence.

Although people with the sleep disorder narcolepsy are more prone to experience sleep paralysis, healthy individuals may also have this terrifying experience. 

This psychological state may be caused by a dysfunction in rapid eye movement or REM sleep and can be triggered by unusual sleep cycles, sleep deprivation, or stress. 

It is fairly common and is usually not considered dangerous. 

Here are some of the most fascinating facts about sleep paralysis.

8 Shocking Facts About Sleep Paralysis

1. Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep

Although little is known about sleep paralysis, scientists do believe that this state is related to the rapid eye movement or REM sleep stage.

During this sleep cycle, our brain has vivid dreams and prevents muscle function so that we donโ€™t physically act out those dreams and hurt ourselves or others. 

Sleep paralysis occurs when we wake up during this REM stage. Although we may regain consciousness, our body is still left paralyzed as the muscles have not received the brain signals to move.

This leads to confusion, panic, and fear.

2. It is NOT a paranormal phenomenon

Have you heard about the sleep paralysis demon?

People who experience sleep paralysis often report seeing or being attacked by a shadow being or demonic entity known as the sleep paralysis demon. Some others also report about being abducted by aliens.

Also known as incubus or succubus, these demons reportedly engage in sexual acts with the helpless victim. 

But regardless of the countless folk tales, movies, and alleged true stories of the sleep paralysis demon & UFO abductions, sleep paralysis is a form of sleep disorder and has nothing to do with supernatural forces.

Read Also, Sleep Paralysis: Astral Demons And Witch Wars

3. You can have scary hallucinations

Are these reports of scary beings, demons, or aliens seen during sleep paralysis real or simply hallucinations conjured by our sleeping mind?

While these scary creatures can be terrifying and intriguing, these are merely hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations that are different from normal dreams.

Although your experiences may seem real, the demons or aliens are certainly not. These hallucinations occur when you are waking up or falling asleep and can make you believe that your nightmares are real. 

As you wake up during REM sleep, you regain your consciousness but are still dreaming. No wonder so many people report seeing scary beings. But dreams are just thatโ€ฆdreams.

4. You feel physically โ€˜paralyzedโ€™

During an episode, you may be fully conscious but you lose the ability to control your muscles. This can make you feel unable to breathe, move or talk along with a feeling of being choked, suffocated, or tightness in the chest.

In this immobilized state, you feel threatened and defenseless as you struggle to breathe and scream for help. But this happens more due to a dysfunction in REM sleep than due to a demonic attack.

5. Sleep paralysis canโ€™t kill you

While there is no doubt that sleep paralysis can be extremely scary and frightening, it is actually harmless. Till now, there are no clinical records of death caused by sleep paralysis.

But people who have experienced this state often fear for their lives even though it cannot physically harm you. Sadly, superstitions and cultural explanations associated with this condition make it seem scary and mysterious.

6. We donโ€™t know what exactly causes sleep paralysis

Although scientists know that sleep paralysis is related to REM sleep, they are still not sure about what exactly causes an episode. 

While interruption in your sleep pattern can be a major factor; medications, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, sleeping on your back, and sleep disorders can trigger this sleep state.

Some experts also believe that sleep paralysis can be inherited, which means that if you have a family member who experiences sleep paralysis, then you are likely to experience it as well.

However, there is no clear cause or explanation for it yet.

All you need to do is get some undisturbed sleep, and you will be just fine.

7. Youโ€™re not sleeping during sleep paralysis 

During sleep paralysis, you are not in a state of sleep nor are you awake. It is a state of immobilized consciousness that occurs between wakefulness and sleep and may last for a few seconds or few minutes.

Sleep paralysis makes our senses hyper-aware, our mind active and our body paralyzed. In this unfamiliar space, our mind perceives nightmares as real experiences making us see ghostly or extraterrestrial entities. 

This is why we can remember the terrifying episodes more clearly than normal dreams or nightmares, as in waking dreams we are unable to distinguish between whatโ€™s real and whatโ€™s not.

8. It is more common than you think

Did you know that around 8% of people experience sleep paralysis once in their lifetime?

This sleep condition is fairly common and often experienced first in our teenage years, between the ages 14 and 17. However, you can experience it at any age and both men and women can suffer from this terrifying experience.

Sleep paralysis is a mysterious condition surrounded by superstitions and paranormal beliefs. But in reality, it is simply a disruptive sleep-related disorder that can cause hallucinations that seem all too real.

Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? Let us know in the comments section below.

Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

5 Signs You’re Absorbing Other People’s Energy And What To Do About It

Beware! You're Absorbing Other People's Energy: 5 Clear Signs

You met someone new and they were on their best behavior; still, the interaction left you feeling agitated or exhausted – sounds familiar? You might be absorbing other people’s energy!

Is it possible to feel other peopleโ€™s emotions and carry them inadvertently? Yes, both science and spiritual beliefs claim that those of us who are more sensitive than others pick up on other people’s energy and absorb them without even realizing.

If you are someone with codependent tendencies, an abundance of empathy, HSP (Highly Sensitive Personality) traits, or grew up in a household where your safety depended on reading other peopleโ€™s changing moods, ton

Up Next

Is Your Energy Magnetic? 6 Signs You Have A Strong Aura

Is Your Energy Magnetic? 6 Signs You Have A Strong Aura

Whether you believe in energy or vibe checks, we all give off a certain “presence” that others can feel. You can feel someone else’s presence too. In this post, weโ€™ll break down the 6 signs you have a strong aura, and how it shows up in everyday life.

Ever had someone tell you, โ€œThereโ€™s something about youโ€ฆโ€ even if they canโ€™t quite explain what it is? That โ€œsomethingโ€ might be your aura, the unseen energy you carry everywhere you go. Itโ€™s real, and we all have it.

Your aura reflects your emotional, mental, and spiritual state. When itโ€™s strong, you feel grounded, others feel drawn to you. But when it’s weak, you may feel drained, anxious, or disconnected from yourself and others.

Up Next

How To Celebrate Beltane In 2025? A Witchy Guide To Traditions And Rituals Of May Day

How To Celebrate Beltane: 7 Surprisingly Easy Rituals

Spring is at her peak and summer is nigh – it’s when Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches celebrate divine union, fertility, and all the riches of life. But how to celebrate Beltane living in the modern world?

First, What is Beltane?

Beltane is an ancient Celtic celebration. Pastoral people of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man aligned their lives and animal rearing practices with the changing seasons.

At the midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, these earth-dependent people celebrated the abundance and fertility of nature by putting their animals out to pasture.

Up Next

Entity Attachment: 6 Signs That Something Negative Is “Latching On”

6 Signs Of Entity Attachment Or Negative Spirits

Do you feel like you’re not yourself, without any clear reason? It might be more than stress. Some believe these unexplained changes could be signs of something deeper: a dark spirit or negative entity attachment.

This might sound like fiction, especially if you don’t believe in ghosts or spirits but the feeling that something unseen is weighing you down can be hard to ignore. Whether you see it through a spiritual, emotional, or psychological lens, it’s undeniable that negative influences can affect us in profound ways.

Let’s explore how these attachments happen, the signs to look out for, and how to protect yourself from them.

Up Next

Ancient Pagan Origins Of Easter: 5 Hidden Truths

Pagan Origins Of Easter: 5 Strong Connections Of New And Old

Every Easter thousands of kids hunt for treats left behind by the Easter bunny, hot cross buns fly off the shelves, and Christians worldwide celebrate the day as the resurrection of Jesus, oblivious to the pagan origins of Easter. Read on if you want to know the truth!

So, if Easter celebrations commemorate the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion, where do the bunny and eggs come from?

Is Easter a Pagan holiday? Are you celebrating the ancient festival of your ancestors?

Believe it or not, the roots of Easter are connected to the ancient Paganism and Pagan traditions that predate Christianity. Letโ€™s explore the Pagan roots of Easter.

Pagans worshipped nature and natural forces.

Up Next

The Wild Woman Archetype: 5 Signs You’re Untamed, Unapologetic, And Free

Wild Woman Archetype: 5 Signs You're Untamed And Free

In a world where women are constantly told to be everything, sexy but not โ€œtoo much,โ€ ambitious but never intimidating itโ€™s easy to forget that we are not here to fit into boxes. Learn about the wild woman archetype and how she is the source of all your primal desires.

A wild woman is not a girlfriend. She is not chaos, she is something deeply intuitive. She is untamed. Raw. Deeply connected to something powerful, and sacred.

She is a relationship with the earth, the moon, the howl in your chest. She is instinct. She is emotion. She is a healer and a hurricane. She cannot be contained because she was never meant to be.

Here are five potent signs of a wild woman archetype, that suggest you may n

Up Next

Earth Magick: 5 Rituals To Ground Your Abundance This Earth Day (And Any Other Day)

Earth Magick: 5 Simple Rituals To Ground Your Good Fortune

Do you want to bring forth Earth Magick into your life? What would be a better way to celebrate Earth Day 2025 than harnessing the power of elemental magick to ground your abundance!

Before we get into earth magick spells and practical elemental magick, letโ€™s understand why now is a potent time to practice earth magick, more than ever.

The recent Aries energy still feels pulsating. Due to astrological transits happening since March 29, thereโ€™s a palpable shift in the energy for the collective. Almost all of us can feel an increased sense of purpose, drive, and energy.

Those who went through a Dark Night of the Soul are getting their Karmic rewards. Some have learned valuable spiritual lesson