When I was about five years old, something very strange happened. I’d just lost a tooth and tucked it under my pillow, excited for the Tooth Fairy’s visit. That night, I awoke – paralysed. I couldn’t move a muscle. I was wide awake, aware, but frozen. I tried to roll over or call out, but I physically couldn’t. My young mind decided the Tooth Fairy must have arrived & I was scared by it. It was terrifying.
Later in life, I was about 23, a similar thing happened. We had a photograph in the house that just felt off, as though it carried a dark presence. One night, I woke again unable to move, and could feel something climbing up my body, like a pet cat – only we didn’t have one! Not in a dream – this was real. I was conscious, but frozen in fear.
Only much later did I learn that both of these experiences had a name: sleep paralysis.
What Is Sleep Paralysis?
Sleep paralysis happens when your mind wakes before your body. It tends to occur when you’re falling asleep or waking up, especially during the REM stage (when dreams occur). During REM, your body naturally “paralyses” itself to stop you from acting out your dreams. Sleep paralysis happens when that paralysis continues even after your brain has become aware.
Why Does Sleep Paralysis Happen?
There are several potential causes, including:
- Lack of sleep
- Poor sleep habits
- Stress or emotional overwhelm
- Sleeping on your back
- Trauma (past or present)
- Sensitivity to energy or spiritual activity
- Astral Travel
If you’re empathic or spiritually open, your energetic field may be more sensitive during sleep. Some interpret these moments not only as physical experiences but as spiritual or psychic awareness breaking through.
In spiritual circles, it is believed that when we sleep our soul is off travelling the astral planes, doing lightworker work around the world & in different dimensions/parallel universes.
When we wake up unable to move it is because the soul hasn’t fully returned to our physical body, so we’re awake but without animation. Once the soul has fully returned the paralysis wears off.
Is It Dangerous?
Physically, no. Sleep paralysis doesn’t cause harm and typically lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes. But emotionally it can be extremely distressing—especially if you feel a presence in the room, pressure on the chest, or see shadowy figures.
In spiritual circles, it’s often seen as a “veil-thinning” moment—where you briefly touch another realm, or your consciousness expands beyond the body. Many people get messages as they’re falling asleep or waking up.
Can It Be Prevented?
You may not be able to stop it completely, but here’s how you can reduce the chances:
- Maintain a regular sleep routine
- Reduce stress and manage emotions daily
- Avoid sleeping on your back
- Ground your energy before bed
- Use spiritual protection techniques (like visualising white light, crystals or calling in your guides)
Energetic practices like placing black tourmaline, smoky quartz or selenite near your bed, or using oils like lavender and frankincense, can also support peaceful sleep.
Is Sleep Paralysis Always Negative?
Rarely.
For some, it’s a gateway to lucid dreaming, astral travel, or deeper spiritual insight. For others, it’s a nudge from the soul to heal unresolved fear or trauma. Either way, it’s a signal worth listening to.
Today, when my clients speak to me about these experiences, I can honestly say: I understand. I’ve been there. These events were scary, yes—but they also opened the door to deeper understanding of energy, spirit, and consciousness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve experienced sleep paralysis, know that you’re not alone – and you’re not losing it. Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, it’s a doorway. And like any doorway, you get to choose how you walk through it.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join my free online community or explore my membership, Awaken & Align, where we dive into all things spiritual awakening, energy, and healing.
Tell me your experiences of sleep paralysis.
#SleepParalysis #AstralTravel #SpiritualDevelopment