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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Sleep Paralysis Paul Saturday, August 07, 2004

Question:

Ever since I can remember I've had sleep paralysis. I only just recently found out that it had a name. It's while entering sleep or in the process of waking up you enter into a semiconscious state in which you are paralyzed while seeing experiencing evil and demon-like apparitions, sounds, or voices around you. It always has an aura of evil without exception.

I did not want to make any decision on the spiritual aspect of this without hearing if the church had any views on it but I have no clue where to look.

I have heard from a psychologist that it's documented and many people have it but they only have theories on why it happens.

These occurances seem to happen moreso during spiritually uplifting times. Although it can be disturbing at times I believe it only strengthens my walk with Jesus. I am Catholic and stong in my faith and only wish to try and understand this more and to know if the church has any standing on this issue. Thanks!

Paul

Question Answered by


Dear Paul:

In things like this we always need to be careful about automatically assuming that the devil is involved. There are two natural phenomena that can also be the possible causes of sleep paralysis: Cataleptic somnambulism and hypnagogic hallucinations. The latter is commonly associated with Narcolepsy. There can be many other possible causes such as stress. It is unusual, I think, however, to have these experiences over and over on a continuing basis. You may want to speak to a doctor as there could be an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder. I don't know, just being cautious.

Having said all of that, is it possible that this is a demonic attack? Yes, it is possible. Demons can cause these types of experiences which can easily be indistinguishable from the natural phenomena of cataleptic somnambulism and hypnagogic hallucinations.

The twilight stage between sleep and consciousness is a vulnerable time that the devil can exploit.

In dealing with this we do not necessarily need to know which is occurring - the natural or the supernatural. While it is wise to check out any medical causes, we can approach this with prayer any case. The Prayer will hopefully get rid of any demonic presence if there is one, and if not, the prayer still confers a grace and asks God for protection and a peaceful sleep.

There is a Bedtime Prayer of Protection in the SW Prayer Catalog that may be useful; and when the experience happens calling upon the Name of Jesus, even if only in the mind because you can't talk out loud, asking Him to rid you of this presence will hopefully take care of any demonic attack.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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