If I understand correctly, you (Nel) are fighting the floating Octopus, which you can put to sleep and also put the "confusion" effect on, is that it? Or is it the fairy? Because there is a way to solve this with potions, there is one to avoid sleeping and avoid confusion
And Nel usually puts a cursed item to evolve faster (I think) because she is very strong, so that amulet that increases damage is very good