I'm glad that you were able to fight back! 👊 I remember how it feels to try to scream and be unable to. I would never wish that on anyone.

Irregardless of beliefs, when something happens to us when we're in that vulnerable state of sleep (or on the edge of wakefulness before our muscles begin fully come out of their restful state), our minds process it as real and therefore, it is real. It is real to us and can change our perspectives, reforming our outlook on previously held beliefs.

As usual, I have a few questions:

Was this your first foray into the study of demons? Had you previously read or heard about the existence of demons through church or family stories/beliefs/etc? Were you researching specific entities and their various manifestations or simply the existence of demons in general? Did you only begin your searches in the demons listed in Christian faith or did you branch out to the various demons listed within other cultures? Do you believe that you were "on their radar" but were only in danger from them when you were sleeping? Was it the power of the presence that froze you or the fear? What precautions have you taken to protect yourself since then so that you are able to rest?
Sorry, I'm a pain in the ass when I'm curious. 😏