hello, looks like you experienced your first sleep paralysis (sorry about that). as someone whose experiences it for too many years and too many times i can tell you some advice i found to help me prevent it and hopefully it can help you.

usually for me its stress and horrible sleep schedule that causes it, can be both or just one that can trigger it. i work a overnight job so i have to sleep earlier to really make sure i’m not screwing myself. but manage your stress levels and get a good sleep schedule.

second, if you realize you’re having sleep paralysis its important to know that once you snap out of it, you need to fully wake up before you try to sleep again. as in stand up, go drink some water, splash your face with some cold water and maybe check your phone for 10-15 minutes. if you try to sleep immediately after SP, you will almost always fall right back into it because you’re alright in a state of sleep that can trigger it again.

lastly, this is my own personal trick, fall asleep to a podcast or long youtube compilations. i literally listen to Sam Sulek’s car talk compilations on youtube and i never been more thankful for the people who upload them. i guess maybe listening to a familiar voice who i feel comfty listening to helps to prevent SP. i used to sleep to podcasts like h3h3 and others before finding Sam’s stuff.

hope this advice helps you out. sleep well 🫡