Think sleep paralysis is not real? This terrifyingly graphic photo series is here to change that forever

This photographer's series explaining sleep paralysis would send chills down your spine.

By: Priyal Ray |
February 16, 2017 1:10 pm

In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk around a phenomenon called sleep paralysis. While almost all of us have at some point in time come across someone who has said they faced this or have faced it ourselves, awareness regarding sleep paralysis is almost inexistent. So much so that several go on to dismiss the active issue as a figment of the sufferer’s imagination or just an extension of their dreams. Well, to put your doubts to rest none of this is remotely close to reality.

Sleep paralysis occurs when one’s mind wakes up while the body is still asleep. Now, allow me to give you a more graphical description of what this exactly entails. The person affected by sleep paralysis is usually anywhere between deep and semi-deep slumber when it hits. Their limbs remain paralysed while they are conscious thanks to their brain which decides to wake up, meaning one is unable to move and sometimes even open their eyes even though technically awake.

Repeated bouts of sleep paralysis can cause insomnia because no matter how fond you might be of sleeping, getting paralyzed while at it is not a very pretty scenario. 22-year old artist-photographer Nicolas Bruno intends to bring to light this exact helplessness via his photo series on sleep paralysis. Having gone through it himself for several years, his photo series brings out in spine-chilling detail what the phenomenon entails.

While some think it’s the work of devils who possess those sleeping thus leading to sleep paralysis, the more scientific ones only know what causes it but not how to fix it. This powerful photo series might be exactly what you need to ensure you never ever again dismiss this as a figment of the sufferer’s imagination.

A huge thank you to @huffingtonpost for their article on my sleep paralysis artwork! Check it out on my Facebook page, or here: https://huff.to/1U1gXIz

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Mar 14, 2016 at 3:12pm PDT

Last chance to acquire my limited edition prints that are available through @havengallery of Northport, New York until 02/14/2016. 22 x 22 Inkjet prints on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Satin paper with signature, stamp, and numbered at 2/7. Inquiries may be sent by email to info@havenartgallery.com or by phone at 631.757.0500.

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Feb 11, 2016 at 10:01am PST

Thank you MOTHERBOARD + VICE for featuring three pieces of mine within this extensive article on Sleep Paralysis for Halloween! https://bit.ly/20apzgP

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Oct 28, 2015 at 9:48am PDT

My video documentary with VICE’s Daily Vice is now live! We cover a behind the scenes peek at one of my photoshoots, explore the effects of sleep paralysis, and get an in depth look at my artistic process. A huge thank you to the Daily Vice team! https://bit.ly/1Tuvvzy

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Feb 19, 2016 at 8:09am PST

Happy Halloween! My annual Halloween photo will be late this year, but in the meantime you can check out a new feature of mine on @scene360 https://illusion.scene360.com/art/100335/nicolas-bruno/

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Oct 31, 2016 at 11:54am PDT

STORDIT_O nicolasbrunophotography.com -facebook.com/nicolasbrunophotography

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Apr 5, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

BERSAGLI_O – View on Flickr – https://flic.kr/p/C1piXj – Two pieces of mine will be shown at @havengallery on January 9th for their new exhibition titled “Music Box”. Come by!

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Dec 23, 2015 at 9:25am PST

Huge feature of my work on ViralNova; view the article here – www.viralnova.com/sleep-paralysis/

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Jan 26, 2014 at 1:28pm PST

www.facebook.com/nicolasbrunophotography

A post shared by Nicolas Bruno (@nicolasbruno) on Apr 15, 2013 at 11:39am PDT

Sleep paralysis disturbs REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and could cause those facing it to feel short of breath and at times close to death. Not something to be taken lightly, one bout of sleep paralysis could leave the sufferer feeling weak and disconcerted throughout the day. Lack of our awareness regarding such health issues affecting both mental and physical health leads to several misconceptions about them. Here’s hoping this photographer’s work inspired by his own experiences will help change how you perceive sleep paralysis.