Thread: Trouble using WILD / trying to get SP

I have never really consciously felt any very noticeable signs of sleep paralysis (that I can remember), even though I've been trying for the past few days. I am curious about what it feels like, and ideally would like it to help me practice WILD (I know SP is not a requirement for WILD, but it can help a lot). However, earlier today I took a nap and so tried to stay conscious while falling asleep. All my muscles were relaxed and my breathing and heart rate was calm and slow. I felt a slight tingling sensation, usually starting at my hands. The best way I can describe it is, it feels a bit like my fingers and hands started to get swollen, but it's quite a pleasant feeling. I've felt this before and assume it's just an early stage of sleep paralysis. I usually always fall asleep after getting this feeling.

This afternoon, however, after I felt the feeling I just described, I felt my finger 'twitch' very quickly, and it kind of startled me. It didn't feel like my finger moved at all because it still felt numb, so I started to think maybe it was the start of some out of body experience or a lucid dream. Even though I tried to stay calm, tried to observe, my heart rate went up really fast and so I gave up soon after because I knew I got too excited, and because I didn't think I would be able to fall asleep anymore.

In real life, I am a bit of an anxious and nervous kind of person, more so than the average person. Will/can this have much effect on lucid dreaming/WILD? Weird sensations and experiences startle/scare me. I think I've already improved compared to a few years ago in terms of relaxing and having a good mindset when trying to sleep or LD. Do you think I should make it a priority by meditating more often, and having a more relaxed, calm, 'zen' mindset in general? Will it help me WILD if I'm less anxious in general, or is it just a matter of practicing WILD and getting used to all the sensations that come with SP?

Thanks in advance :)