So I have a question for you all, And I know this may sound completely corny, I might have thought the same had it not happened to me several times. Last night as I lay almost asleep, I felt something behind me on the couch. Whatever this was made a low growling, or maybe snarling in my ear, I laid there terrified thinking I was imangining things?. but then I felt a rubbing sensation behind my shoulder blade, as if someone were rubbing my back, at this time a horrible feeling came over me, I tried to move but could not, and started to feel a slow tightening around my neck. I kept telling myself to move, to do something but I just couldn't get myself to do it. After about 10 seconds I sat straight up, scared out of my mind. My heart was pounding a million miles an hour. Idk *** it was? Some people may say it was sleep paralysis a.k.a. the old hag syndrome. I have dealt with sleep paralysis before, and this WAS NOT the same thing. Any ideas as to what this thing could have been?.

This could have been a dream. Often, we'll have dreams in which we think we wake up, but we're still dreaming. It could have been sleep paralysis like you suggest, but it could also have been a dream in which you were imagining / recollecting an experience similar to to sleep paralysis, combined with other sensations. Sometimes these can be triggered by things like rolling over in your sleep and feeling covers or some object brush against some part of your body.

You may have some underlying fears or anxiety that is surfacing in this sensation. You might find it helpful to lie in bed and imagine a gentle, caring, affectionate touch from someone you are comfortable with, that may make you feel more comfortable.

But I would not worry about it! Just think comforting thoughts and maybe talk to people about it if it makes you feel better.