[Nerak]

Hmmm not sure if nightmares is correct but here goes. I go through periods where I "see" things at night. Things - shapes that move through the room - shapes that I do not know what they are. I do know that it scares the bejebbies (is that a word hehe) out of me. It usually happens when I first try to go to sleep. It seems to happen more when I have a lot on my mind, more tired, more depressed...
It always happens if hubby is asleep before me, and there have been times I have woke him up to look and see if anything is there. Most of the time I do not want to be a burden so I "ride it out". Needless to say those nights when it is like this I do not sleep well and lately there have been a lot of those nights.

Thanks for letting me ramble

[CedarS]

I've had these experiences also, they are termed "hypnagogic hallucinations". They happen in that in between place betwixt awake and sleep. Often connected to fatigue and stress. Can cause visual, auditory, and/or touch sensations. Some can be intrusive and freaky.

[Nerak]

Sarah thank you for replying - nice to know I am not the only one.

[CedarS]

Worth doing a google search on the term, see what you come up with, much of it refers to narcolepsy but hypnagogic hallucinations aren't necessarily connected to narcolepsy, they can occur on their own also.

Turned out to be very useful for me also to poke round for more info on this, I discovered something else about sleep that I had no clue that anyone else experiences, they call it, of all things, "exploding head syndrome". Had never heard of this before, but I have it, info at: http://www.freep.com/news/health/good24_20001024.htm

It's entirely benign yet can be quite frightening, now that I know what it is, great help.

Now that we've tackled hypnagogic hallucinations and exploding head syndromes, we should be able to hang out a shingle and set up shop as sleep experts! *Grin* Maybe people can pay us to tuck them in with cozy beds and blankies, while we snooze elsewhere.

Sarah

[Nerak]

Thanks - going to go google now.

[jmo531]

Sarah,

OMG. I have experienced that. I just read up about it. Very interesting.

Karen,

I think I know what you mean. I have awoke from a sound sleep and my eyes feel very slow moving and when I try to move it's almost like I am moving in slow motion and I see trails. Weird I know. I dont know if this is what you mean or not but in any case I can relate to the visual disturbances. It doesnt happen all the time. Just as you said. If I am overly tired or stressed.
I hope it eases for you.

[CedarS]

JMO, you then probably experience what is called the hypnopompic state: "The hypnopompic state is the transition state of semiconsciousness between sleeping and waking. For some people, this is a time of visual and auditory hallucination.". Might also be some sleep paraylsis in there too.

And isn't "exploding head syndrome" wild? To actually find a name for it, weird indeed.

Between the three of us right here we cover the pre sleep, during sleep, and post sleep occurances, I can envision a sleep center forming now! And all this talk of sleep may very well help me glide into drowsy dreamy land soon.

Sarah

[jmo531]

Indeed Sarah I'm feeling a little myself.

[JohnShaft]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who got these.

[jmo531]

Nice to know that we are not alone.

((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

[Nerak]

I just wish it would stop

[jmo531]

Me too Karen. Happened again last night and I was most of the night. Sheesh.

[silver_queen]

((((((((((((((((( Karen ))))))))))))))))))))

I'm sorry

[Nerak]

Jmo - sorry, I know it is no fun and very frustrating.

[Nerak]

Thanks (((((((((Silver)))))))))))