Hello

[JC100]

Hi, I've been reading the posts on this site recently and I've been trying to become lucid since then. I'm currently working on my dream recall, and I keep a dream journal stored on my computer. Usually, I remember 1 dream/night, sometimes 2 or none. I'm using the WBTB method. On school days, I get up around 6:45 so I normally get up for the first time around 4:30 (often reading stuff about lucid dreaming, such as going to this website ) and go back to bed around 5:00. This really helps me to remember dreams, although I haven't become lucid yet. Also, I've heard that if you suddenly wake up from a dream (say I become lucid but it only lasts a few seconds), you can enter sleep paralysis. I understand why you can get it, but this thought still worries me because I don't think I've ever experienced SP before. In case I do experience it, what should I do? Since I've also heard that SP happens during REM sleep, if my alarm clock goes off and I happen to be dreaming at that time, does that mean I will get SPed? (In actual fact, I don't remember waking up from a dream due to an alarm clock, but in theory I think I should be waking up directly from dreams often if I use one because if I remember correctly, the average sleep cycle is 90 mins and the length of REM at a late stage of the sleep phrase is around 60 mins, so surely there should be a 2 in 3 chance of waking directly from REM with an alarm clock?)

[ninja9578]

If you wake up suddenly you might experience the remaining effects of SP. You were in SP during your dream, you are all night. It happens whenever you go to sleep, not just REM sleep. SP just keeps your from acting out your dreams. Sometimes you wake up before the SP ends so you are just paralyzed for a moment. If you know what it is, it shouldn't be scary. That rarely ever happens though.

[james-25:22pm]

I regularly attempt WBTBs, and have never experienced SP...ever. and Yes, I use an alarm clock. I've never heard of someone waking to find themselves SP'd when trying to WBTB, usually people say they experience it when going back to sleep (if at all). Definately stick with wbtb as a method, but if you find you are getting too tired...or its stressing you out; give it a break of a few nights and then try again. You will have better luck. Relaxation and confidence, not over-determination. Dont be put off by SP, not everyone has bad experiences with it; some have no experiences with it. Goodluck

[AlexLou]

Don't let yourself be intimidated by SP. I'd be surprised if you experienced it waking up from an alarm clock, but if you do just keep trying to move and you'll be able to break it. If you have SP while falling asleep then you're probably on your way to a lucid! Just stay still and wait until you start dreaming.

[greenskies]

Not to freak you out, man, but I've experienced SP a few times before and it was scary as heck. I thought I was dead. I think now that I know a little more about it I wouldn't be so scared if it happened again. Doesn't usually last long, though, so it's not a big deal.

[JC100]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, I guess it wouldn't be that bad if you know a little about it already. I once suspected I was about to enter SP (I dunno what usually happens, but I heard strange sounds and feelings of heaviness) but I stopped it after a few seconds (I can't exactly remember why, maybe it was because I was afraid of what was going to happen next). However, my plan at that time, and for now it to achieve LDs by DILD rather than WILD, but next time I will probably try to stay in SP if I accidently get into it, if it helps me to achieve a LD.

[ubigcow]

SP is cool! I personally like it. Perhaps thats because I know what it is. If you try to get out of it, you usually can very easily (within seconds). Don't worry.

[Vex Kitten]

I hope that once you experience SP that it will be an exciting experience since you already know what it is and what if can be used for.