S08 - EP08 - Between Sleep and Waking

There are moments when the body sleeps, but the mind remains awake. A room becomes unfamiliar. A presence gathers in the dark. And something unseen waits at the edge of waking. In this deeply personal account, Ashleigh shares a lifetime of night-time experiences shaped by sleep paralysis, grief, strange intuition, and encounters that seem to blur the boundary between dream and reality. From a childhood episode marked by the smell of brandy and a devastating phone call the next morning, to military accommodation built on the site of an old priory, this story moves through fear, protection, and the lingering sense that some places — and some people — may be watched over. Alongside Ashleigh’s own experiences, Jake’s unsettling childhood encounters, shared sensations, and the recurring figure of the Man in the Hat deepen the mystery. This is not presented as proof, but as lived experience: a story of shadow figures, guardian presences, grief, messages from beyond, and the uneasy question of what may be waiting for us between sleep and waking. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave us a rating, and drop a review. It really helps the show reach more listeners. Here's where to find more: Support the show: Patreon (patreon.com/hauntedukpodcast) | Ko-fi (ko-fi.com/hauntedukpodcast) Follow us: Instagram @hauntedukpodcast | TikTok @hauntedukpodcast | X @hauntedukpod Website: https://hauntedukpodcast.com/ Produced by Pink Flamingo Sound Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.