17. Sleep Paralysis and Sleep Demons: Science, Spirits, or Something Else?

Why do people around the world see terrifyingly similar beings during sleep paralysis? Is it REM sleep or something we can’t explain? This week on Psychic Sister Tea, we’re diving into the creepy, fascinating world of **sleep paralysis, sleep demons, shadow figures, and the “Old Hag.”** And yes… we may regret researching this one before bed. Science has a pretty solid explanation for sleep paralysis: sometimes your awareness wakes up while your body is still experiencing the muscle paralysis associated with REM sleep. You can feel completely awake but be unable to move or speak and your dreaming brain may still be creating sights, sounds, sensations, and even the feeling that someone else is in the room. Okay. Cool. Science. Case closed… right? Except people across different cultures, generations, and belief systems have reported some *eerily similar* visitors. We share terrifying stories involving doppelgängers, mysterious women crawling onto beds, shadow people, a recurring man in a hat, strange humanoid creatures, and the infamous Old Hag. Elise also shares her own sleep paralysis experience—including the sensation of something slowly crawling up her body while she was unable to move. **In this episode, we explore:** - What actually happens in your brain during sleep paralysis - Why people see entities, shadow figures, witches, and “demons” - Elise’s personal sleep paralysis experience - The bizarre similarities between sleep paralysis stories - The Old Hag phenomenon - Doppelgängers and recurring mysterious figures - Whether altered states could make us perceive things we normally can’t - A simple trick people use to break out of sleep paralysis - Why discernment matters when separating fear from intuition - A new psychic development exercise you can try along with us We don’t need to label every unexplained experience paranormal, but we also don’t have to stop asking the weird questions. And that’s exactly why Psychic Sister Tea exists. Listen now, try this week’s intuitive exercise with us, and if you’ve experienced sleep paralysis or seen something during an episode, we want to hear your story! Email us your spooky stories or questions: [Stories@Psychicsistertea.com](mailto:Stories@Psychicsistertea.com) And don’t forget to rate and review Psychic Sister Tea, take a screenshot of your rating/review and send it to hello@psychicsistertea.com to be entered into our drawing for a free psychic reading with us! RESOURCES: ✨ Website: www.psychicsistertea.com ✨ Book a reading with the Psychic Sisters:  www.psychicsistertea.com/readings ✨ Instagram: www.instagram.com/psychicsistertea/ ✨ TikTok:  www.tiktok.com/@PsychicSisterTea ✨ YouTube episodes: www.youtube.com/@PsychicSisterTea   **Disclaimer:** The Psychic Sister Tea Podcast is for entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed therapists or medical providers, just your favorite psychic sisters sharing stories, insights, and good vibes. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for any mental health or medical concerns.   Editing by Jaimi Ryan