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Original poster

Wtf was that?!

62 replies

thevelvetcurtain · 11/08/2021 23:31

I was just getting to sleep and suddenly felt like something was falling on me from above. Felt totally paralysed in fear and tried to shout for my DP but couldn't move. Managed to snap out of it and now lying here with the light on, very awake, and very freaked out. There's nothing here that could have actually been falling on me from the ceiling - so wtf was that?!?!

OP posts:
Girlintheframe · 12/08/2021 00:19

I've had this twice. Felt like a black 'thing' was trying to pull me off the bed.
Completely terrifying.

I don't know why it happened but it hasn't reoccurred in years.

Interestingly I sleep with a sleep mask now too.

littlemissbee · 12/08/2021 00:32

Sounds like sleep paralysis, I get it from time to time, particularly if I am run down, over tired, ill or stressed. It is terrifying whilst it’s happening. I can usually open my eyes and that is it. I find that concentrating on moving the tip of my little finger helps me break through it faster.
If you feel the need to google it, concentrate on the medical facts, our bodies are paralysed during sleep to stop us acting out our dreams, it’s just a delay. I hope you ok

BettyAndFrank · 12/08/2021 00:35

I’ve had it numerous times…it’s horrible

Westenra · 12/08/2021 00:45

Turn on your side, make sure your pillow is comfortable and you're not too hot, and if you're sharing a bed, sleep touching your partner if you can - his breathing and little movements will ground you a bit. If it's never happened before and you aren't on new medication / drinking heavily it probably won't happen again. If it's a new bed or mattress, think if you've got out of your usual position. You'll be fine - sleep well.

Original poster
thevelvetcurtain · 12/08/2021 00:45

I've had the one where I feel like I'm falling but I didn't realise it's the same thing!

I have to sleep on my back at the moment due to a broken knee... never been a sleeping position I like, and now I hate it even more! And no I'm still not asleep again Grin

OP posts:
RLOU30 · 12/08/2021 00:47

Sleep paralysis I’ve had it for years, sometimes it happens to me three times in one night and I just get up for the night as I’m still as terrified as I was the first time I had it. Horrible :(

Snugglybuggly · 12/08/2021 00:52

@Member589500

Sleep paralysis
This
eekbumbler · 12/08/2021 00:54

I've had it a few times - even after sort of waking eyes open I can feel the weight on me (like someone is on me and my dream mind tells me attacking me) and cannot move. Not nice, takes a while to calm down.

Try getting up and having a cuppa - although guess you are properly awake as posting.

Sleep well when you do go back!

lemmein · 12/08/2021 00:59

Eurgh, sleep paralysis is awful. Last time I had an episode I was so terrified i tried to shout out to DH (he was laid next to me) but nothing came out. Arghhh making myself panic thinking about it - wish I hadn't opened this thread 😩

Hope you're ok OP

Westenra · 12/08/2021 00:59

Sleeping on your back will be why it's come on then. Also if the broken leg has you stuck in one position or is disturbing your sleep. An extra pillow might help. Good luck. It's like turbulence - scary but harmless.

VenusTiger · 12/08/2021 01:02

Sleep paralysis IS terrifying yes - I've only ever experienced it with daytime naps - something wakes you, usually a noise (as it's daytime) and a part of your brain is still 'asleep' so can't send a message to your body to move - it really freaked me the F out the first time it happened and I recall a friend years previous, mentioning it and realised I'd just experienced it - after that it didn't freak me out as much, but it's still very scary.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 12/08/2021 01:10

100% sleep paralysis and it's fucking TERRIFYING isn't it OP? It really freaked me out for longer than it should have, even though it didn't last long - less than a minute for sure. Really unsettling.

MrsTerryPratchett · 12/08/2021 01:11

I had this once with a YETI! I knew what it was but still really weird.

SamanthaJayne4 · 12/08/2021 01:25

I've only had this once. I was early 20's and wasn't very nervous at that age. I simply went back to sleep and was fine when I woke up again. I would freak out if it happened now!

Westenra · 12/08/2021 01:30

I have had it with a plastic bag, a dark shadow, a rope, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and most messed up of all ... a figure of myself Shock

That was utterly terrifying. What are our minds thinking doing this to us?!

Normally I just get the paralysis with full consciousness and no hallucination, though.

Westenra · 12/08/2021 01:31

Sorry, probably not helping. Watch something funny on YouTube OP.

andweallsingalong · 12/08/2021 01:32

Yep, also had it fairly regularly when younger, always when I'd fallen asleep with my head at an awkward angle or taking a nap. Really scary, remember feeling very aware but unable to open my eyes properly or move.

Original poster
thevelvetcurtain · 12/08/2021 01:35

@Westenra

I have had it with a plastic bag, a dark shadow, a rope, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and most messed up of all ... a figure of myself Shock

That was utterly terrifying. What are our minds thinking doing this to us?!

Normally I just get the paralysis with full consciousness and no hallucination, though.

A figure of yourself is definitely the most creepy! It's just bizarre.
OP posts:
Westenra · 12/08/2021 01:43

I ran out of the room the minute I could move again - remember checking the bathroom mirror to make sure my reflection was still attached. And normally I am really quite sane ...

YesIReallyDoLikeRootBeer · 12/08/2021 02:00

It's definitely sleep paralysis. Luckily I've never had it, but I've hear about it. They say that people who think Alien's are abducting them from their bed are having sleep paralysis

inigomontoyahwillcox · 12/08/2021 02:07

Yup - sleep paralysis, fucking terrifying. I used to get it in my 20s (in my days of taking recreational drugs ... probably not a coincidence).

I ended up going to sleep with the TV on and it seemed to stop them happening.

GreatBritishWineDrinker · 12/08/2021 02:52

Terrifying. I had it really badly when pregnant. Only thing I learnt to do was tell myself during it repeatedly it wasn't real and I'd go back to sleep.

eekbumbler · 12/08/2021 02:53

Interesting about being on your back as mine has always been on my back.

My worst episode was that I was being attacked and my hands held above my head. Not only could I not move due to paralysis, but once was conscious had to deal with 2 numb arms in pinned down position.

Seemed to take ages to get the feeling back in one. Then I just had to get the other one and flop it back over like a dead weight.

The joys of sleep.

ElleGee1 · 12/08/2021 02:53

Sleep paralysis. If you google it I’m sure they use a photo of someone sitting on the chest to explain the pressure of not moving. Freaky but not real lol.,
Came across this thread during the night feeds, a bit scared now I’ll have sleep paralysis, I find if I am thinking about it, it will happen Confused

youvegottenminuteslynn · 12/08/2021 09:13

Mine has always been someone slowly tapping my shoulder with their face near mine breathing in my ear when I'm asleep on my side and I physically cannot turn around, run away or shout for help even though I'm desperately trying to make a noise. Oh my god it is HORRIBLE. Haven't had it since I've lived with my partner, was always when I was sleeping alone. Bleurgh, truly a chilling feeling every time. Just thinking oh my god why can't I move?!