Thread: I was awake, but I couldn't move or open my eyes

so i just recently got in to researching lucid dreams and techniques to go with it. I've never had a lucid dream before, but I'd love to have one. I have been dreaming a LOT lately, and i think i'm getting a good start to becoming lucid. however, the other day, i was napping, and i experienced something very strange. i was conscious, or so i think, however i couldn't open my eyes or move at all. i was completely paralyzed. it wasn't bothersome, but it seemed like it lasted for hours. what was this? does anyone know, or has anyone ever had a similar experience?

sleep paralysis?

SP, search button is your friend.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis

It's totally normal. I don't mind it, in fact. It's great for DEILDing, 'cause for a few minutes you can't move even if you wanted to so it's a breeze to fall back asleep.

Btw, it might be a good thing that you didn't open your eyes, however, because many people hallucinate during SP. This is known as hypnogogia. And it can be terrifying. Thankfully I have only experienced hypnogogia once in my life before.

It's Sleep Paralysis.

Though I never reached that far to not be able to move. Just having the tingly feeling.