Courtesy Sleep Terror Clothing Jonathan Chau

For Jonathan Chau, sleep brings terrifying bright-blue monsters, freakishly enlarged canine teeth, and half moons with huge, glaring eyes. While suffering from sleep paralysis in college, he began documenting his vivid dreams and nightmares in a journal and eventually created clothes depicting the freaks that haunted them. The 24-year-old designer launched his first line, aptly named Sleep Terror Clothing, last August, and his new winter line will be released Friday. We spoke with the East Village resident earlier today.

What was the craziest nightmare you ever had?

I was being chased by a giant troll with a lot of eyes and gigantic teeth, while exploring a crystal cave. I woke up afraid and in panic. I literally thought the troll was in the room with me.

What’s the story behind the T-shirt with the frightening blue monsters?

When I was a kid, I was always afraid that something was hiding under the bed, waiting for me to climb out of my bed so that it could grab me by the legs and drag me into the abyss beneath my bed. Before going to sleep every night, I would make sure the corners of the sheets were securely tucked in to ensure that neither my legs or arms were over the sides. To me, my bed was the only thing keeping me safe from the monsters below.

Courtesy Sleep Terror Clothing.

What’s the theme of your winter line?

I really wanted to incorporate nightmares that everyone has experienced, for example, the fear of monsters under your bed, or the terror of losing your teeth.

Speaking of, tell us the story behind the illustration of those enlarged canines.

I have this recurring dream about breaking or losing my teeth. The Pulling Teeth shirt is based on a dream I had of having my teeth yanked out.

What happens to you when you experience sleep paralysis?

Basically it’s when your brain tricks you into thinking you’re awake, but your body is still asleep. It’s quite frightening!

How did you get into designing clothing?

Throughout high school and college, I used to do design merch for bands, and that eventually evolved into designing my own apparel.

What do you love most about the East Village and the people?

Courtesy Sleep Terror Clothing.

The East Village is like a museum and circus at the same time. Wherever you go, there’s art and excitement!

Is it easier to cope with your sleep paralysis by using your clothing line to express those very vivid dreams?

Not really. I still suffer from sleep paralysis. Sleep Terror has just become a way for me to share my dreams and nightmares.