People who have experienced Sleep Paralysis, what is it like?

I have had sleep paralysis for years. Each time it is very similar experience for me. My latest one was a bit different.

I sleep with the window open if it's above freezing for some fresh air, but the downside is that I can hear people talking or driving down the street. The way my room is orientated, I get flashes of light all the time while I'm trying to sleep.

OK...now for what happens while I sleep. I will be laying there and hear a loud thud noise. I open my eyes and look out the window that is open and there is nothing there. Dose back off for a bit and another thud, but it becomes louder. Then lights will start to flash through the windows, kind of like people using flashlights. The problem is that I can't turn around to see what the source is. I lay there motionless, but exerting all my strength to move. I must wake up! Wake up fucker!! This goes on for some time, but not sure how long.

Finally I got my head to move, then able to roll over. I sit at the edge of my bed for a moment. Pet the cat, then climb back into bed. Closing my eyes once again and falling asleep, I'm suddenly woken up buy this thud noise once again. This time is just keeps going and becomes so loud that I swear there is somebody right next to me. The struggle of moving any part of my body become tougher than before. I can feel my heart race. Thud, Thud, Thud. Finally I will be able to move and wake up. Usually I will be covered in sweat and out of breathe.

What was different is the point where I was sitting at the edge of the bed. I never woke up in the middle of it. My POV was a bit off, like using a wide angle camera or one mounted on the ceiling.

I have somewhat trained myself not to panic. If it's just the noise, not a problem. The lights is what really kicks into a whole new experience. I also learned not to take a nap on the couch, that was triggering it about 50 percent of the time.

/r/AskReddit Thread