Sleep Paralysis

[unblock]

6. i have had it a number of times in my life, though not recently.

terrifying the first few times, until i got used to it and realized it was only temporary.

sufficient external stimulation will fully wake me, but i can't will it to happen. i try to take huge deep breaths but can't, because i can't control my lungs. that may be the scariest part of it, you're only getting "sleep-sufficient" breaths, which doesn't feel like enough.

my cat came up to me one time and sniffed me on my nose and that woke me. he knew something was up.


my parents kept insisting it was really just a kind of dream, until one time i had it while my mom came into the room to put away the laundry. eventually she made bumped the bed and i woke with a start and then proceeded to recount precisely every movement she made, such as putting her coffee down to look out the window, etc., then they finally believed me.