I've had to deal with this crap my entire life. First off, I am male, 29 years old. Not very religious always had very lucid dreams I can always remember. I've even wrote some short stories off the dreams I've had, they really are that entertaining. I even have had dreams about places I've never been before (I.E. Like friends houses, their families houses, etc) and been able to tell people about them that were in fact IN the dream and had it within an 80% accuracy. It's weird and it has always tripped me out.

BUT: When I was 20 or so I had a dream I was in my room (lived with my mother) and was in my bed. I awoke, just like you say you did OP and couldn't move. All I could do was look around. As I cut my eyes to my right side a small petite woman fully black and faceless looked at me with a shuttering speed. Then she moved around the foot of my bed, my eyes followed her the entire way around. She then stopped on the opposite side of my bed, lifted up the covers, laid down beside me and opened (I know this doesn't make sense) her eyes and looked at me and kissed me on the forehead. I have never in my life been so afraid of something, ever. I awoke almost instantly, STILL SEEING THE IMPRESSION OF HER HEAD ON THE PILLOW as it lifted out. I didn't sleep again for almost 2 days. I've told several close friends about this dream or sleep paralysis episode and I promise, the terror in their eyes speaks volumes.

Secondly, about 4 years ago, I fell asleep in my recliner which is about 8 to 10 feet from my bed. I "awoke" frozen again could only look around. Beside me this time stood a very small girl. Blacked out but I could clearly see pigtails. She noticed me looking at her in, fear, because I had been there before. She slowly leaned over in front of my face and said something, it didn't make sense to me and in no way could I tell you what it was she said. However, she was within a foot from my face. I woke up. In my BED 8 to 10 feet away from my recliner, shirtless, and covered up. I still to this day have absolutely NO explanation for this.

And finally, I'm not going into detail. The last time this happened was about a year ago. Same as before. Woke up, couldn't move, could only look around. This time however it was a tall slender man looking dead at me. Blacked out and faceless. He approached me and I freaked out. Felt as if I was yelling as loud as possible and trying to thrash about but could not. I somehow forced myself awake before he got to me and ever since then it hasn't happened again.. but my very lucid dreaming continues but every night, well.. I only day sleep now, 3rd shift whoo, I fear I will see that bastard again.

Just to add. I've dealt with this stuff for almost 10 years now. I've talked to several people about it. No professionals but just people, family, and friends. I have no idea what it is or why I've seen three variations but just typing this makes me feel weird and afraid. I've awoken with scratches many many scratches but no bruises ever. Weird stuff. Just wanted to share.