Have you ever had a nightmare where you were aware you were dreaming, but were unable to wake yourself up, unable to move even unable to breath? You may have met the "The Old Hag", a phenomenon documented around the world that scientists call Sleep Paralysis.
The experience varies from person to person. Some people see a woman't face in the distance but can't pick out her features. The dreamer usually senses something is very wrong and becomes anxious, as the figure draws nearer they realize it is an ugly old crone. When she finally reaches the dreamer she slowly crawls up over the person's body and straddles their chest; slowly crushing it, stopping their breath. The dreamer is hyper aware of what is going on; the fact that they are sleeping, that this is not really happening, but yet they sense the evil, and can feel her leathery touch as breathing becomes a struggle.
In David J. Hufford's book The Terror that Comes in the Night he writes that you can call the Hag by reciting the Lord's Prayer backwards.
Photo credit here
I'm really grateful I've not experienced that!
ReplyDeleteUsually the moment I realize I'm dreaming, I wake up. My wife says I ruin perfectly good dreams that way.
they could make for some great stories :)
DeleteI've experienced sleep paralysis but not 'the old hag' thank goodness. I might have a heart attack lol.
ReplyDeleteI hope I never experience sleep paralysis let along the hag
Deletenever had that problem
ReplyDeleteI hope you never do
DeleteThis is so creepy Bay Girl, such an awesome story that I'd never heard related to sleep paralysis.
ReplyDeleteyep- creepy
DeleteOK! That was new for me
ReplyDeleteI've heard about this one years ago but, thankfully, have never experienced it firsthand.
ReplyDeleteVery creepy, indeed.
and I hope you never do
DeleteMy ex husband used to experience it but he called it 'the blanket people' b/c it felt like someone was sliding his blanket down, or sitting on the bed and pinning him in.
ReplyDeleteI think I would wet the bed with fear!
DeleteHave never heard of this.......I hope I will be able to sleep tonight.....
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
hopefully you have a great sleep :)
DeleteThis is a wonderfully creepy post!!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Valerie Nunez and the Flying Platypi
I have dreamt many times that i know i am dreaming but then i change the dream to how i want it-I took a dream course once and we were to document our dreams. i was told to stop as I was not getting enough sleep-i am a weird sort no?? :)
ReplyDelete