The Top 10 Horror Books and Movies About Sleep Paralysis

There’s nothing quite like the terror of waking up, unable to move, your heart racing as something watches from the shadows. For millions of people, sleep paralysis is a real-life nightmare—and it’s also become rich, bone-chilling inspiration for horror books and movies.

Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or you’re just fascinated by the idea of demons lurking on the edge of sleep, these ten horror stories bring the experience to terrifying life.

Let’s dive into the Top 10 Horror Books and Movies About Sleep Paralysis that every horror fan should check out.

1. The Nightmare (2015)

Format: Documentary / Horror Film

Why it’s terrifying:

This indie documentary from Rodney Ascher (Room 237) is far from a dry exploration of sleep disorders. Instead, it presents vivid reenactments of real people’s sleep paralysis experiences—shadow men, buzzing noises, paralysis, and all.

It blurs the line between documentary and psychological horror, making you question whether sleep paralysis is a medical issue... or something darker.

2. Slumber (2017)

Format: Horror Film

Why it’s terrifying:

A sleep doctor discovers that a series of deaths during sleep may be the work of a demonic entity known as a night hag, which paralyzes and suffocates its victims while they sleep. While the movie takes liberties with the science, it’s a fun dive into supernatural sleep horror.

The demon’s design and presence tap into folklore and myths from cultures around the world.

3. Dead Awake (2016)

Format: Horror Film

Why it’s terrifying:

Written by Jeffrey Reddick (creator of Final Destination), this film centers on a sleep demon that preys on people during paralysis. Victims are stalked and killed in their dreams, but unlike Nightmare on Elm Street, this one sticks much closer to real sleep paralysis folklore.

The film turns the Hat Man–style figure into a slithering, nightmare-inducing villain.

4. The Sleepwalker by C.G. Twiles (2017)

Format: Novel

Why it’s terrifying:

This psychological thriller follows a woman tormented by sleepwalking and terrifying paralysis episodes. As her grip on reality begins to slip, she suspects something—or someone—might be using her body while she sleeps.

It’s a chilling blend of psychological horror and supernatural suspense that keeps readers second-guessing every scene.

5. Sleep Paralysis: Night-Mare, Nocebo, and the Mind-Body Connection by Shelley R. Adler

Format: Nonfiction / Horror-adjacent

Why it’s terrifying:

This is a scholarly look at sleep paralysis, but it’s also a deep dive into the cultural and folkloric side of the phenomenon. Adler explores how different societies have interpreted the terrifying sensations—through stories of witches, demons, and spirits.

If you love folklore-driven horror, this book is pure inspiration.

6. Come True (2020)

Format: Sci-Fi Horror Film

Why it’s terrifying:

This atmospheric, slow-burn horror film follows a teenage runaway who joins a sleep study—only to discover that her dreams and paralysis episodes are linked to something far more sinister than science can explain.

It’s a modern classic in the making and turns sleep paralysis into a full-on cosmic horror experience.

7. The Man in the Hat by George Lockett (Short Story)

Format: Short Story (in various horror anthologies)

Why it’s terrifying:

A nod to the Hat Man, this short story follows a man haunted by a shadowy figure in a wide-brimmed hat who appears during episodes of sleep paralysis. The imagery is subtle, creepy, and deeply familiar to anyone who’s heard the urban legends.

The Hat Man is a recurring entity in real-world sleep paralysis experiences, making this story extra eerie.

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8. Mara (2018)

Format: Horror Film

Why it’s terrifying:

A criminal psychologist investigates the death of a man who was allegedly killed by the sleep demon Mara, who punishes those who feel guilt. Victims are marked and hunted while they sleep.

It blends psychological trauma with supernatural horror and sleep paralysis tropes—ideal for fans of The Babadook or Sinister.

9. Waking Nightmare by J.G. Faherty (2011)

Format: Horror Novel

Why it’s terrifying:

This novel blends psychological horror and paranormal suspense. The main character suffers from terrifying nightmares, hallucinations, and paralysis that blur the line between sleep and reality. Are these visions mental illness, or are there supernatural forces at play?

It’s a mind-bending read for fans of The Silent Patient with a horror twist.

10. The Noctuary by Greg Chapman (2011)

Format: Horror Novella

Why it’s terrifying:

A dark tale of an author haunted by characters of his own creation—who come alive in his sleep. The main character suffers from sleep paralysis and begins seeing his creations appear during waking dreams.

It’s part metafiction, part nightmarish sleep horror, and all unsettling.

Why Sleep Paralysis Horror Works So Well

Each of these stories—whether grounded in science or leaning fully into the supernatural—works because sleep paralysis hits at one of our deepest primal fears: the loss of control over our bodies while we sleep. Add in hallucinations, isolation, and the universal vulnerability of sleep, and it’s horror gold.

For horror readers and fans who’ve experienced sleep paralysis, these books and films hit close to home. And for those who haven’t? They just might make you afraid to close your eyes tonight.

Final Thoughts: Sweet Dreams… Or Not

Whether you prefer realistic terror, ancient folklore, or full-blown demons crawling across your ceiling, sleep paralysis offers a unique flavor of horror—one that lingers long after the final page or closing credits.

These ten stories represent just the tip of the nightmare iceberg.

Do you have a favorite horror story that captures the fear of sleep paralysis? Share it in the comments and let’s add to the list of night terrors.

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