Sleep paralysis is one of the innocent forms of the parasomnias. A Bissauguinean, a Dutch, a Moroccan and a Surinamese patient with different types of psychopathology accompanied by idiopathic or primary sleep paralysis are presented. The patients handle their own _ at times culture specific _ meaning and etiologic interpretation of the sleep paralysis. In Guinean Fulani the experience is called kibo kibongal and in Moroccan Arabic boratat. A comparison with some other cultures is provided. Current western understanding of its pathophysiology and its possible _ if necessary _ treatment are explained.