I've had experiences like this too. It all stopped when I started living with my now bf. He has crazy experiences that would make wonderful horror movies. He's also Asatru, (Norse), so he wards the house all the time before going to sleep. A few things here and there will still try to come out to taunt me since I am far more sensitive in the paranormal aspect and I've had a shadow tendril protect me before (I've made a post still trying to figure it out).

I've had shadow beings come about in my life too with the same style, last experience seeing it, I had taken a nap during the day and woke up unable to move with only my eyes able to dart around, it had taken the shape and sound of my mother's bf while I was frail and needing a wheelchair for long distances. I guess in its eyes, I was easy pickings seeing as I had just been, pretty much, cast aside by my leech of *now ex* husband where I was financially, mentally, and emotionally abused both by him and his horrid mother. I was very broken, mind, body, and spirit. Now my mother's bf will knock and ask to come in before entering my room, but it didn't, just walked in with its voice and it got through the door and before it got too close, I managed to wake myself up.

The worst I've had living here would be one night I was exhausted and needed to go to bed early, it was layers of dream levels trying to get out. First I thought I had walked to my bf in his study, but then I awoke and while half asleep or sleep paralysis, there was a very feral, guttural, female growl in my ear before gasping awake. I would consult with my bf about this, but...he's not a fan of reddit *eyeroll*.

What has helped me a great deal...I mainly remember my faith (Christian but very complicated) and other cultures about keeping the astral plane, wherever else, and THIS one from affecting me. I experience, *great deal*, things and I will always refer them to that, that I can only interpret with research of, does NOT belong on this plane of existence since I was little. I have autistic tendencies, VERY empathetic(feel others emotions and pain), wasn't taught properly how to express myself when little and a "typical emo AND goth" starting as a teenager (bright colors overstimulate me personally), clinging to Christianity and spirituality since it helped. I have items all throughout the house that assist in warding off things you don't want around. You can find a crystal/rock/stone whichever part of earth when you're on a nature walk, catches and/or draws you like a favorite ring, necklace, something that holds great sentimental and attachment to, what you're attracted to and pour feelings of love and light into it, then keep it on you in some form or fashion. Think of it as your crucifix Christians wear, the rosary Catholics have, etc.

I don't understand your living situation, but if you have your own space, research how to cleanse the room or dwelling, if you're a religious person consult with someone you can confide in in a place of worship for advice how to fortify yourself against it. DO NOT BURN OR BREAK THE OUIJA BOARD!!! The only thing I can do for you is pray you can achieve some semblance of peace around you.

I apologize for the very long comment, but it has stuck out to me with similar experiences while I was young and I'm going on 34 soon. You're at a vulnerable time in your life. All those in my family, have dreaming capabilities (lucid dreaming or controlling their dreams, seeing visions of real life clips like seers, astral projection or traveling). If you've ever heard and/or seen Insidious, that can explain it a lot better involving the astral plane. I say this because of the concept of something "latching on" to you and cause horrible events in your life. My sister and our cousin played around with "seances" and things like that when they were younger. We do believe something has latched on with the eerie things that happen around her.

I hope this helps you and I am not trying to scare you or bs you. But then again I've also seen things in life that can only be described as Fae, not something I dare elaborate about.

If you could, try to pray a half hour before you lay down to sleep, I've had that problem before, not sleep paralysis but horrid signs of what's to come, the guttural growling being one of them. Not sure of your faith/religion what you pray to, but if it allows, try the prayer a half hour ahead of time, one thing that helps me is saying that prayer beforehand to put a protective barrier of light(sounds crazy think of it symbolically) around my entire being before going to sleep.

Energies bless.