Published on: 6/20/2025
What are the common hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis?
During sleep paralysis, people often experience hallucinations that vary but can include seeing or sensing a presence in the room, feeling pressure on the chest, or hearing strange sounds. These experiences can be frightening but are not harmful.
Explanation
Sleep paralysis is a condition where a person is unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, and it is often accompanied by hallucinations. These hallucinations can be quite vivid and scary.
Hallucinations during sleep paralysis can vary and can include:
Visual Hallucinations: People might see figures or shadows, often described as an intruder or a ghost-like presence in the room.
Tactile Hallucinations: Some individuals feel pressure on their chest or body, as if someone is pushing down on them.
Auditory Hallucinations: Some people have reported hearing strange noises, such as buzzing, humming, or even voices.
These experiences happen because the brain is partially awake while the body remains in a sleep-like state, causing a temporary disconnect. While sleep paralysis can be unsettling, it is not harmful. If you experience distressing symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider. You can also consider visiting 988lifeline.org as another source of information.
(References)
- Cheyne JA, Rueffer SD, & Newby-Clark IR. (1999). Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations during sleep .... Consciousness and cognition, 10487786.
- Stores G. (1998). Sleep paralysis and hallucinosis. Behavioural neurology, 11568409.
- Cheyne JA. (2005). Sleep paralysis episode frequency and number, types, and .... Journal of sleep research, 16120108.
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