Posted this before, but posting it again. No, it isn't a joke/ruse.
Growing up, I suffered from sleep paralysis a lot. At the time, I had no idea what that concept actually was - I eventually chalked it up to nightmares.
Anyways, for about 4 years, I slept with the covers over my head. I'd get 6 or so hours of sleep, and I'd wake up drenched in sweat.
I would fake growing pains, being sick, etc all to avoid sleeping.
Normally, when someone thinks "sleep paralysis", they think of seeing black shapes, hearing imaginary voices, feeling pressure on your chest, etc.
I still remember mine incredibly vividly.
The door to my hallway was open, light peaking in from the bathroom. I was never scared of the dark, so I didn't have a nightlight, but this light illuminated quite a bit of my room anyways. Eventually, while trying to sleep, I'd feel a sense of dread overcome me. I couldn't move. I couldn't scream.
At the foot of my bed, facing from the left, was my closet without a door. Each and every time, without fail, I'd see Miss Piggy from the Muppets.
To this day, that is the only negative connection I have with that character. I loved the Muppets growing up, especially Treasure Island and the Christmas specials. I despise Miss Piggy as a character for it, still, though. It's really damn weird, but it makes for a good camping story around the fire pit with some friends now.
