Sleep Paralysis

[carmeneterror]

I noticed there's a lot of talk about this in this forum so I was wondering a few things.

When do you guys tend to experience this? Are there any circumstances you endure that breed the occurrence of it?

I ask this because about a year ago I would occasionally get sleep paralysis, seeing demons but not being able to do anything (I was not religious at the time, in fact they only began happening after I started experimenting with psychedelics/dissociatives and engaging in increasingly sinful behavior). Well, there was about a 7 month period of time wherein I abused psychedelics heavily and rarely dreamed of demons but instead saw them in front of me so I experienced no sleep paralysis during this time. I have recently turned to God and given up the drugs (praise the Lord) but no more than a day after I made this decision... for several nights in a row I experienced sleep paralysis every time I tried to sleep!

Sleep paralysis has been attributed to stress and although yes I admit I have been stressed lately, I have also been stressed a lot throughout my past schooling and yet never experienced it. My sleep patterns have been healthier lately too so I don't think it was that.

So do you guys think sleep paralysis is merely some type of medical condition (for lack of a better way to describe it) or the work of Satan? In your experience, has sleep paralysis occurred simply out of the blue or perhaps with spiritual crises preceding it?

 

[maybenotcrazy]

I noticed there's a lot of talk about this in this forum so I was wondering a few things.

When do you guys tend to experience this? Are there any circumstances you endure that breed the occurrence of it?

I ask this because about a year ago I would occasionally get sleep paralysis, seeing demons but not being able to do anything (I was not religious at the time, in fact they only began happening after I started experimenting with psychedelics/dissociatives and engaging in increasingly sinful behavior). Well, there was about a 7 month period of time wherein I abused psychedelics heavily and rarely dreamed of demons but instead saw them in front of me so I experienced no sleep paralysis during this time. I have recently turned to God and given up the drugs (praise the Lord) but no more than a day after I made this decision... for several nights in a row I experienced sleep paralysis every time I tried to sleep!

Sleep paralysis has been attributed to stress and although yes I admit I have been stressed lately, I have also been stressed a lot throughout my past schooling and yet never experienced it. My sleep patterns have been healthier lately too so I don't think it was that.

So do you guys think sleep paralysis is merely some type of medical condition (for lack of a better way to describe it) or the work of Satan? In your experience, has sleep paralysis occurred simply out of the blue or perhaps with spiritual crises preceding it?

I think sleep paralysis is the work of satan. Tonight, I swear, satan and his henchmen were trying to drag my soul to hell. I prayed to jesus and he woke me up in the position I was in the dream, on my side trying to lift myself out of my bed and open my eyes. I think satan is fighting your decision to accept christ. Have you ever heard of st. John vianney? He was attacked viciously by satan every night in his "sleep" barely did he receive any, he by the way is credited with having converted over 25000 christians. I just thought i'd bring him up to show you (and me) that the devil attacks people who oppose him. Christ was killed on the cross by the prince of this world (satan) and was tempted by him. I think you are in a spiritual crisis as well.

 

[felix102]

When I was around 14 years old I had a sleep paralysis occurence where I saw some evil beings. I called on the Lord and was able to get out of the sleep paralysis. For the next two months, the sleep paralysis kept coming back every time I was about to fall asleep. At this time I was a christian for I had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior when I was 13.

I don't remember all the details but after it all stopped, I knew a lot more about Jesus Christ. During those two months I read the bible more fervently. The experience was terrible but I believe the Christ I gained is critical to my life in Christ today.

If you have repented and taken Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then praise the Lord; God lives in you. And if the Lord dwells in you, then you should be blessed to know that you have one who has already defeated Satan in you.

So whether sleep paralysis is a medical condition or some work of Satan is not important. What's most important is that in all situations we encounter, we gain more Jesus Christ. The Lord said, " take Heart! I have overcome the world." We can take heart because the one who has already overcome all things lives in us.

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

 

[Bobinator]

Taking drugs opens one's spirit to the spiritual realm. The Indians did this to go into a trance to gain knowledge and spiritual insights. However, this kind of thing often resulting in the entering of demons. It may also result in a spiritual opening where spirits can come and go freely. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour doesn't automatically resolve this problem.

If you haven't already, I would repent before God and pray to close these open doors to your spirit. I would also get water baptized, and seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You will also need some deliverance from spirits that may have entered, and break curses as a result of sin. For this, I would seek a Christian church that understands and practices spiritual warfare. This is important, because you won't have the victory over Satan without a fight. And we all need to know how to fight in the Spirit.

 

[felix102]

Good point Bob.

I wanted to also mention that baptism is important carmen. I got baptized much later in my life but it is important to do it as soon as you can. Like the Israel passing through the red sea when Pharoah chased them to the edge of the sea. The entire Pharoah's army was drowned when they tried to go after Israel after they passed through the red sea. The passing through of the Red Sea typifies baptism.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

I won't argue with any of the advice above, baptism, repentance, etc. because they are all good advice in general. However, sleep paralysis is something that many, many people experience. Demons, or monsters in dreams are not necessarily actual demonic spirits but dreams which reflect something occurring on a subconscious level.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that something appearing fearful is a demon especially if it is a dream. I've had lucid dreams where I was confronted with monsters and demons. I kept having them till I learned not to shy away from the seemingly overpowering force opposing me. Therefor I was taught how to defeat these monsters in my dreams by confronting them. They represented great obstacles in my life.

Whether demons or simply circumstances, the way to overcome is by confrontation. If a demon, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." I never did drugs but have had many very strange waking dreams, visions, and actual confrontations (while awake) with people who were demon possessed. At first all these things were very frightening but I learned to make it a habit to meditate on scriptures such as, "God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind" etc.

Also, these types of things can be used to help teach us just what kind of world we live in. There are forces natural or otherwise which can destroy us if we are left to our own devices. However, scriptures teach that a person who continually meditates upon the Lord is kept in perfect peace. So that is my recommendation to you. Meditate upon the promises of God always, day and night, with thanksgiving. For God inhabits the prayers of his people.

When I turn out the lights I like to meditate upon the fact that, "I live and breathe and have my being in God" also from scripture. I like to tell myself, "I'm surrounded... by God."

There are only three choices when confronting something you fear: paralysis, retreat, confrontation. If you resist whatever it is that is attacking you trusting in God, the least result is by trusting in God you will learn to rest in his peace.

If you have known sin in your life, it can make it very difficult for you to trust in God. We all struggle with sin. I've learned to confess my sins and according to scripture take God at his word that I'm forgiven according to scripture to help fortify my mind against feelings of guilt and unworthiness. There is nothing that replaces walking in holiness, but, if you're struggling with particular sins, that cause you self doubt and guilt, that can cause you to disbelieve because you aren't worthy. However, none of us are worthy save by his sacrifice. It is important to seek to walk in holiness. If you do have a particular weakness or weaknesses, begin to constantly thank God, even in your failings for his deliverance for you in that area. Day and night meditate upon the promises of God for, deliverance, forgiveness, healing, restoration, holiness, and your live will change for the better. God's promises can be relied upon. Where we are%2

 

[1ofakind]

Sleep Paralysis happens every time you sleep unless you are one of those individuals that lack it. Its a safety mechanism your brain so that you will not hurt yourself during dreaming.

When you wake up, you may still have sleep paralysis. Hallucination and hearing sounds are common during this event. If you feel scared due to this, try to breathe in very deep or move something for this usually removes the paralysis in a couple seconds. You will most likely not be able to move anything that is consciously controlled ie leg muscles, back muscles, neck... You will be able to control your breathing for this is semi-conscious. Taking control of your breathing will signal that you are awake. Any further questions message me.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Sleep Paralysis happens every time you sleep unless you are one of those individuals that lack it. Its a safety mechanism your brain so that you will not hurt yourself during dreaming.

When you wake up, you may still have sleep paralysis. Hallucination and hearing sounds are common during this event. If you feel scared due to this, try to breathe in very deep or move something for this usually removes the paralysis in a couple seconds. You will most likely not be able to move anything that is consciously controlled ie leg muscles, back muscles, neck... You will be able to control your breathing for this is semi-conscious. Taking control of your breathing will signal that you are awake. Any further questions message me.

I agree with the above. I've experienced this several times ... trust in God and get good advice!

PEACE
JWN

 

[toolite]

I noticed there's a lot of talk about this in this forum so I was wondering a few things.

When do you guys tend to experience this? Are there any circumstances you endure that breed the occurrence of it?

I ask this because about a year ago I would occasionally get sleep paralysis, seeing demons but not being able to do anything (I was not religious at the time, in fact they only began happening after I started experimenting with psychedelics/dissociatives and engaging in increasingly sinful behavior). Well, there was about a 7 month period of time wherein I abused psychedelics heavily and rarely dreamed of demons but instead saw them in front of me so I experienced no sleep paralysis during this time. I have recently turned to God and given up the drugs (praise the Lord) but no more than a day after I made this decision... for several nights in a row I experienced sleep paralysis every time I tried to sleep!

Sleep paralysis has been attributed to stress and although yes I admit I have been stressed lately, I have also been stressed a lot throughout my past schooling and yet never experienced it. My sleep patterns have been healthier lately too so I don't think it was that.

So do you guys think sleep paralysis is merely some type of medical condition (for lack of a better way to describe it) or the work of Satan? In your experience, has sleep paralysis occurred simply out of the blue or perhaps with spiritual crises preceding it?

Sorry I had to look up what sleep paralysis meant. I hope I understand. Sometimes we have to make it simple. If you a moment post a dream that you've had. or two or three that way we can see a little better what type of dreams you are having. Stay Blessed!

All The Glory Belongs To God!

 

[WhiteWillow]

I agree. It is a scientific mechanism happening in our brain so that we do not cause injury to ourselves.