Episode 17: Sleep Demons
Dirtlings, we hope you slept well last night because this episode might make you think twice before getting some much needed shut eye. Come on a journey with your hosts Ellsworth and Big Spoon to enter the realm of living nightmares deep inside the Dirtstar. But like really ‘cause this one is all about sleep paralysis! And why are there demons in here?!
Riley details the perfect recipe for conscious-immobility with a dash of hallucinations, the myriad of causes for these terrifying experiences and how you can help put these sleep demons to rest with healthy habits and having your primary care provider on speed dial.
Ellie reveals sleep demons and creatures from cultures around the world with a hard look at those who people tend to see the most such as the Djinn, the Hat Man and the Hag. She’s also got some creepy as hell stories to share from the internet about people who have seen unsettling things during their sleep paralysis episodes, along with the entity that may or may not be still haunting Ellie’s own waking dreams.
It’s totally a sleep demon, just putting that out there.
CONTENT WARNING: This podcast often uses explicit language and covers sensitive or distressing topics. It is NSFW. Listener discretion is advised.
Reminder: We're hobbyists, not experts. Please approach the content of this episode with that in mind, we encourage you to do your own research. Remember, facts and statistics can be misinterpreted or misused. If you're an expert on a topic we cover, we welcome additional information or corrections via our contact form on our website. Happy listening!
This episode is sponsored by our brilliant Patrons: Tasha, BJ, Brian, Brent, Katrina and Carol. You Dirtlings warm our dark little hearts!
Special thanks to our show sponsor, The Phantom Moon Collection. Phantom Moon Collection is a small business jewelry brand started by our incredible friend, Natasha. Each piece is handmade with love, inspired by her favorite books, horror stories, and her three kitties, Bellatrix, Pumpkin, and Eevee. Use code DIRTLINGS for 15% off your order!
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1u83wz/victims_of_sleep_paralysis_what_was_your_runin/
https://www.reddit.com/r/tifu/comments/grxwbh/tifu_by_showing_my_mom_a_drawing_of_my_sleep/
https://imgur.com/gallery/NPknvMj [pic as shown in Patreon video]
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23291-somatic-nervous-system
https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-voluntary-and-involuntary-muscles/
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/isolated-sleep-paralysis#causes-risk-factors
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23234-hypnagogic-hallucinations
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-health/hypnagogic-hallucinations
https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-paralysis/#symptoms-of-sleep-paralysis
https://sleepeducation.org/what-you-never-knew-about-sleep-paralysis/
https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/sleep-paralysis-names-around-the-world