Having suffered sleep paralysis in my early 20's I can say that the effects of the mind are very strong in this state. Sleep paralysis is an in-between state where the body begins to shut down like a computer entering standby mode or "rest" mode. The difference here is
our brainwaves are still oscillating at a faster state, our minds are awake while our body begins to shut down. This in-between state can be very confusing, and being in such a vulnerable state, the mind seems to propels itself towards a heightened state of fear likely a fight or flight survival instinct. Imagine, you are completely submerged in the dark- the senses you are so immediately identified with aren't operating normally, and you have no clue what's going on.
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Rather, your senses are operating normally- only, you are aware of them operating whereas in sleep you are typically unaware)
It is very spiritual experience. Here you learn that you can navigate the experience by the power of your will. I am still fearful of some of my experiences. I remember, in my past, waking up while my body was still asleep- screaming for someone to help me. I remember seeing my roommate walking in the kitchen(I used to sleep in a dining room) and I would shout to him- why couldn't he hear me screaming? I would try slamming my head forward to no avail.
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Did I imagine him going to the fridge at night? No... I would ask him later and despite my physical eyes being closed, he would confirm I saw him correctly)
Here's what I learned that might help others. You can break out of this state if you don't wish to take it further.
It's a simple trick, but with a very high success rate.
Now that you know your body is simply entering rest, and your mind is still alert, you can calmly direct your awareness. Remind your self that you are experiencing sleep paralysis and tell your self you are going to wiggle your big toe. Using your mind, send your awareness to your toe and wiggle it. Your brain will start sending signals to your body, which will bring your body slowly but surely out of its rest mode and into a more alert state.
This has saved me at a time I was very fearful. I also shared this trick with others and they report it worked for them.
The demons I faced were of my own creation, and I didn't always know it. I have a lot of anger and a competitive shadow self that would confront me in the hypnagogic state. But what I learned in college was this was the window for an out of body experience.
As your body begins to shut down, you can relocate your POA. Point of awareness. Usually this resides in your head, behind your eyes. You can imagine pushing your self out of your body. This is how I learned to dislocate from my regular senses. You will notice all kinds of unique sensations... Typically they are,
a tingling sensation slowly creeping over the body
an intense metal whirring noise zeroing in around head
a feeling of rising or pushing out
a feeling of sinking or pushing in
Calm your self, assure your self... Focus on your breath and remember this is a golden opportunity.
Cheers
