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Will my sleep paralysis ever end, and how can I cope?

Assalamu alaikum - I’ve been dealing with sleep paralysis for about five years now and I’m really worn out. When it first started it was happening like six times a night for a whole year and I basically couldn’t sleep. I always have ruqyah and Surah al-Baqarah playing and I try to keep up with my prayers as best I can. I also recite the duas and ayat I know over myself and everything I own from my phone before bed, but it still keeps happening. These days it’s at least twice a week and it feels so draining. I see figures or feel someone breathing on my neck. The last time I felt a sharp claw-like scratching on my neck slowly. It only lasts what feels like two minutes but feels way longer - there’s this vibration through my whole body, my feet go a bit tingly, my eyelids feel extremely heavy and sometimes they just close and it’ll happen again, so I have to force myself not to fall back asleep. I try to get up for Fajr and that helps a bit, but it still occurs. It’s also physically painful sometimes, like someone pressing hard on the middle of my spine so it feels like it might snap, or a heavy pain in my hip. I see shadowy figures, sometimes a man without eyes or a dark silhouette moving around the room, or I hear strange sounds. One time my hoodie looked like a man who started shaking me and that really freaked me out. I just see random scary things. I’m wondering if this will ever stop - it’s so mentally and physically exhausting and painful and I don’t want to live with it forever. Does anyone have advice from a Muslim perspective on things I can try - dua, ruqyah, lifestyle changes, or seeking medical help - that might help reduce or stop it? JazakAllahu khair.

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I get this too, and honestly therapy + checking hormones helped me a lot. Ruqyah kept me calm but a doctor found my melatonin was off. Also try to avoid sleeping on your back if that’s when it hits. Stay strong, sis.

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Oh wow that sounds awful. I’d add grounding techniques: press your toes to the floor, wiggle fingers, focus on breathing when it starts. Mini duas you can say quickly help me stop the panic. If pain is real, see a doc - don’t ignore the physical part. Praying for relief.

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This sounds terrifying, may Allah ease it for you. I found sleeping slightly propped up and playing Surah softly on loop helped reduce episodes. And definitely get a checkup - sometimes anxiety or sleep apnea makes things worse. Sending dua and hugs. 🤍

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Wa alaikum salam sis, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’d try seeing a sleep specialist (could be narcolepsy-related) while keeping your ruqyah - both helped my cousin. Also avoid heavy meals and screens before bed, and try a light dua routine with calming dhikr. You’re not alone, keep reaching out.

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Sending so much dua - been there and it messes you up. My Imaam recommended a trusted ruqyah person and also to cut caffeine after noon. If you can, keep a sleep diary to show a doctor. I hope you find peace soon, don’t give up.

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