It isn't always frightening. It only get scary when you try to move and cannot. Many people suffer "paralysis" that ends as soon as they try to move. Such people are awake but their body is in sleep mode, often snoring. I've experienced it myself when lying in bed wondering who is snoring beside me, only to discover I am alone in bed listening to myself snore.

Right, but the article describes a scenario where you aren't actually awake.

Previous guy misstated things. Sleep paralysis is a form of lucid dreaming. You are aware while asleep.

From my experience meditating, one can go through stages of body paralysis, and then enter lucid dreaming states, while maintaining awareness.

Some advanced meditators claim to be able to be aware at all times, even in deep dreamless sleep.