Phenomenology and Interpretations of Sleep Paralysis with an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample: Cultural Nuances and Clinical Implications

Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) is a temporary state of immobility that occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Although described as hallucinations within biomedical discourse, frightening multisensory perceptions can often accompany muscle atonia, giving rise to numerous cultural, spiritual, and supernatural explanatory models. Presently, no studies have investigated the experience within Aotearoa New Zealand. In this qualitative phenomenological study, 12 individuals were recruited using stratified purposive sampling and interviewed regarding their experience(s) of ISP. Utilizing inductive thematic analysis, key themes were organized into three main categories: Phenomenological Characteristics, Interpretations, and Coping Strategies. While phenomenological features were congruent with existing global findings, two major interpretive models were identified: spiritual and biomedical, which influenced how ISP was understood, explained, and responded to by participants. Participants conveyed a reluctance to disclose ISP for fears of being labeled mentally ill, while others felt judgment toward their spiritual worldviews. To ascertain generalizability to the wider Aotearoa New Zealand population, a larger quantitative follow‐up study is recommended.