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Experiencing sleep paralysis can be just as frightening when you don’t see anything as to when you do see things. Sometimes when a person falls asleep they experience what we call sleep paralysis or REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). During an episode of sleep paralysis, the sleeper can’t move and therefore is completely paralyzed.
It’s reported that many times during these episodes the individual will see shadows or feel the sensation of an entity sitting on their chest causing them to be pinned down to the bed.
Science has tried to explain away these bizarre encounters but has yet to offer any explanations as to the root cause of sleep paralysis or why some sleepers see things during these scary experiences.
In addition to seeing shadows or perhaps having sensations of an entity on your chest or in the room with you, sleep paralysis is also believed to be connected to astral projection. Astral projection is where a person leaves his or her body during sleep. Very similar to an out-of-body experience.
Some sleepers have reported leaving their bodies during an episode of sleep paralysis, and can usually recount these encounters in great detail upon waking up. When met with the idea that these encounters may just be nothing more than nightmares, those who have experienced them will be quick to tell you their story and how real it felt and how they have never had a dream or nightmare in their entire life felt so real and intense.
This argument is common among those who have experienced sleep paralysis, documenting such encounters is nearly impossible. Sleep researchers have begun to spend more time studying sleep paralysis as more and more people have come forward with their own encounters. Like many other paranormal-related experiences, those who do experience such encounters are nervous about sharing their experiences due to the fear that nobody would believe them or that everybody may think they are crazy.
However, a quick web search of sleep paralysis would suggest that sleep paralysis is very common and affects a lot more people than you may think. Although many people’s experiences are similar not all cases are the same. Some individuals report only being paralyzed and not being able to move or speak, while others may have lucid dreams, see shadows, and perhaps even astral projection.
Lucid Dreams
Some sleepers will experience what is known as a lucid dream, this is a dream state where you are aware of the dream and as a result, can maintain control. Another difference is lucid dreams don’t feel like dreams but feel as if they are really happening. Due to this, lucid dreams are usually intense.
Shadows and Voices
Some individuals claim to see shadows or hear voices during their episodes of sleep paralysis, this is where it’s believed that sleep paralysis is in some way connected to the spirit realm.
Astral Projection
Astral projection is where one is said to leave his/her body either during sleep paralysis or while just sleeping. Astral projection is similar to an out-of-body experience (OBE) Many people who have astral projected report being under sleep paralysis at the time of their experience.
A breakdown of astral projection is fairly simple, it’s the practice of traveling within our plain and the astral plane. The astral plane/dimension is pretty much the spirit realm that many believe to co-exist beside our dimension, or the astral plane can be a completely different dimension than that of the spirit realm.
One claim states that travel to any known or unknown location is possible, even to other planets and worlds like Mars.
Researchers and investigators from North Florida Mystery Trackers would like for those who have had such experiences to contact the group and let us know what you have experienced.
