What could explain a terrifying shadow figure while waking up?

A vivid dream can briefly carry over into waking, so a person may see or hear something that feels completely real. Sleep paralysis is one possibility when someone feels a presence or pressure while waking, though being able to move would make that a less exact fit. Other sleep-related episodes can also blur the line between dreaming and being awake. One account isn't enough to tell which explanation applies.

That sounds terrifying, but the fear itself doesn't prove there was an outside presence. If it happens again, turn on a light, check the room and the child, and take a moment to get fully oriented before deciding what happened. If episodes recur, cause injuries, or come with major daytime sleepiness or other new symptoms, bring it up with a health professional.

I'd keep two questions separate: what the experience felt like, and what caused it. The terror was real, even if a sleep-related explanation is possible. A brief note about sleep timing, stress, illness, medication changes, and whether movement was possible can help spot a pattern. If anyone else in the home is also waking confused or unwell, check for environmental issues rather than assuming it's only a dream.