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I've never really discussed the issue with my parents but I feel it has had a genuine effect on my personality. As a child, I would sleep in my mom's room and if she heard me groan, she'd call my name, waking me immediately. It used to reassure me—as if I had a shield of sorts. As the years went by, I ended up categorically refusing to sleep alone in my room; I needed someone to be there with me.Sleep paralysis always rears its head right as I'm about to doze off. I just lie there feeling paralyzed and as if some dark and blurry presence is hovering slowly above me. The shadow floats about and inexorably draws itself closer and closer to my body until I manage to shut my eyes. I sweat profusely but there's also an inexplicable air of coolness that has nothing to do with the actual temperature.Read: Rodney Ascher's new documentary on sleep paralysis will give you the creeps
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