'Incredibly accurate' simulation video shows just how terrifying sleep paralysis can be
Even the words 'sleep paralysis' can be enough to send a shiver down your spine, but this simulation video demonstrates just how terrifying the experience can really be.
In reality, sleep paralysis is harmless, and typically only happens to people once or twice in their life.
However, the prospect of waking up without the ability to move or speak is literally the stuff of horror movies, so it's understandable that a lot of us are terrified of it.
If you're lucky enough never to have gone through the experience, you can find out what it can be like here:
Advert
The bizarre experience of sleep paralysis happens when you're waking up or falling asleep, and your body is in 'sleep mode' while your brain is still active. As a result, you're essentially trapped.
Sleep paralysis has previously been linked with insomnia, disrupted sleeping patterns, PTSD or family history of sleep paralysis, along with a few other conditions, but unfortunately for us it's still not exactly clear why sleep paralysis can happen - meaning there's no telling when it might strike.
When it does, you might experience hallucinations or a feeling of being suffocated - neither of which fit into the comfy, safe and relaxed atmosphere we'd usually hope for when sleeping.
The simulation by JRD Artistry gives an example of what this might look like, featuring moving shadows and shapes, and even something climbing up the bed as the person watching on lies trapped.
After watching the video, viewers have admitted that it does a good job of capturing what the terrifying ordeal can feel like.
One person commented: "I suffer from sleep paralysis and experience it once or twice a week, this is incredibly accurate aside from the fact that it’s always red lighting (at least for me) and the figures aren’t even always human, but just semi human shaped and [they're] like misty shadows.
"Sound and touch is also a big part of it, I’ve felt actual pain during one of these, and the sounds are gut wrenching."
Another viewer added: "I have sleep paralysis and this is so accurate."
To help prevent sleep paralysis, experts advise trying to regularly get seven to nine hours of sleep each day, going to bed at roughly the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning, and getting regular exercise, but not in the four hours before going to bed.
You're also advised to avoid big meals, smoking, or drinking alcohol or caffeine before going to bed.
Emily Brown