I've suffered with this for over 30 years. Built up the courage to watch
I tend to avoid reading or discussing sleep paralysis as it usually triggers it but seems a shame to avoid what looks like a good documentary. I'm only 20 minutes in and it resonates with me so much I've already become quite emotional watching it.
I've always found it quite difficult to put into words what it is that I experience and this has helped me for future explanations. I just call them 'my nightmares' when my husband asks what I'm doing wandering around the house at all hours to clear my head.
I've had it for such a long time now that 75% of the time they're more of an irritation than a terrifying experience but still have some very, very nasty episodes. I have learned that I can sometimes direct my dream which is fun but doesn't happen as much as I'd like and quite often I can rationalise with myself that it isn't real and will pass shortly.
I hope other sufferers manage to find some peace with it as it really is exhausting emotionally and physically.