Had I made it to SP?

**agent509** · 08-08-2010 12:23 AM

I recently tried to have a nap sp. After a couple hours of nothing whatsoever, I drifted asleep, and woke up a few minutes later. I tried again, but this time I think I got somewhere.

After lying completely still for around 25 minutes, I felt something like this numbness come over me. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before. It was almost like I was floating, and my body had no particular orientation. I felt like I was sinking and being enveloped by the mattress, even though I had no blanket over me. I stayed this way for another 30 minutes, but had no HI or strange sounds. Was this sleep paralysis or just numbness?

**Puffin** · 08-08-2010 12:35 AM

From what you've described, I'd say it was numbness. It happens to me a lot if I'm not entirely relaxed, and I'm focusing too much on my body. Sometimes I feel like I'm floating for a few seconds, and then it happens again for a longer amount of time.

Maybe try a different sleeping position if it happens (with no results) again? I find that I can reach sleep paralysis while lying on my side, curled up slightly, instead of my normal position which is on my stomach.

**agent509** · 08-08-2010 01:05 AM

Originally Posted by Puffin

From what you've described, I'd say it was numbness. It happens to me a lot if I'm not entirely relaxed, and I'm focusing too much on my body. Sometimes I feel like I'm floating for a few seconds, and then it happens again for a longer amount of time.

Maybe try a different sleeping position if it happens (with no results) again? I find that I can reach sleep paralysis while lying on my side, curled up slightly, instead of my normal position which is on my stomach.

I normally sleep on my side/stomach slightly curled up, but then I constantly want to change sides, so this time when I tried it I just laid on my back. I'll try again later on my side and see if I can resist the urge change sides.

**Puffin** · 08-08-2010 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by agent509

I normally sleep on my side/stomach slightly curled up, but then I constantly want to change sides, so this time when I tried it I just laid on my back. I'll try again later on my side and see if I can resist the urge change sides.

If you happen to become very, very relaxed on your back, you can always slowly roll over onto your side. The initial relaxation on your back, plus relaxing more on your side, can help sometimes.

**agent509** · 08-08-2010 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by Puffin

If you happen to become very, very relaxed on your back, you can always slowly roll over onto your side. The initial relaxation on your back, plus relaxing more on your side, can help sometimes.

I'll try that tonight. I'm planning on hoping for a DILD, and then awaken to attempt my first DEILD, and if that fails attempt a WILD.

**Puffin** · 08-08-2010 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by agent509

I'll try that tonight. I'm planning on hoping for a DILD, and then awaken to attempt my first DEILD, and if that fails attempt a WILD.

Good plan.

Just a tip for DEILDing, make sure you really immerse yourself and imagine the tactile/auditory sensations of the dream you just woke from. It'll help trick your mind and make it think you're still asleep.

**agent509** · 08-08-2010 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by Puffin

Good plan.

Just a tip for DEILDing, make sure you really immerse yourself and imagine the tactile/auditory sensations of the dream you just woke from. It'll help trick your mind and make it think you're still asleep.

yeah, I'm practicing tactile sensations now, I've never been very good at them.