Friday, June 01, 2012
Monday, June 30, 2008 drumfr asks

Q: Odd sleeping problems. HELP?

Okay, when I was a child, I was diagnosed(?) by my doctor as having terrible night terrors. The only problem with this is the description doesn't match my case. When I would sleep there would be nights where I'd awaken to find a room quite seemingly larger or smaller than usual. The speech of people and myself would either be slowed or sped up. I couldn't shake myself out of it but I knew the whole time what was going on and still remember it to this day. Though that happens to me when I am awake as well (just not as often) And it has gotten less since i was a child. Does anyone know what this could be? I don't even know where to begin. Or at least anything similarly related?

Answer This
Answers (2)
Dr. Diana L Walcutt, Health Guide
7/ 2/08 9:33pm

It sounds like you are describing the Hypnogogic State, or Hypnogogia (also spelled hypnagogia) in which people often report very vivid experiences of bizarre sensations, sounds, or sights that are similar to hallucinations and are often accompanied by the inability to move (a stage during REM when we are paralyzed. This actually protects us from leaping out of bed when we dream). But, don't concerned, they are not hallucinations as described by psychotic patients. Hypnogogic states are a normal period of sleep and usually occur during the sleep-wakefulness transitions, although we may feel that they are reality. 

These Hypnogogia are often experienced by narcoleptics but can happen to all of us. They are most noticeable, however when we are overly tired, stressed, and some medications can cause an increase in them (including muscle relaxers and antibiotics). There are also certain foods, in particular, some cheeses, that can trigger an increase in weird dreams and hypnogogia. So, be careful about eating pizza before bedtime!

One last piece; the term Hypnogogic refers to experiences while falling asleep, and Hypnopompic are the same experiences when awakening.

Hope this helps!

Reply
7/ 5/08 10:54pm

Dr Walcutt,

Thank you very much for your information I tried emailing you but it didn't work so I hope you check back on this. I understand what you're saying but also, when I woke up like this, I would interact with my parents and they knew I was freaking out. I remember many nights where I'd lay in a room with my mom and she'd try to calm me down but couldn't. Opening my eyes was bad but it always seemed that closing them made it worse. On these nights I never remembered falling asleep again just that it took me a long time to. I've asked my mom recently if she remembers this and she remembers me describing things to her and not understanding things as clearly as usual. But I would always walk around the house and try to find her...for some kind of comfort during these "episodes" if you will. 

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1127) >
By drumfr— Last Modified: 12/16/10, First Published: 06/30/08