Sleep so lightly it's like being awake

I sometimes have trouble sleeping. Last night I was up until 4:30. I am not completely awake, but I am 'asleep' so lightly that I might as well be awake and doing stuff.The sensation is similar to closing my eyes when someone else is driving; I'm aware of the passage of time; I just have my eyes closed.I hear the traffic going by, the cat running around, etc. I've tried getting up and doing something until I feel tired. I'll go back to bed and the same thing will happen. I can lie there, but I'm not actually sleeping. I usually fall soundly asleep just about the time the alarm is supposed to go off. It's exhausting.

Hi IceCreamKid, that doesn't sound pleasant at all. Have you seen a doctor about this?

I hadn't thought to see a doctor about it previously, because it happened randomly and not too often--and because I never used to think I was worth helping.

Thanks for giving me the nudge to go see my doctor about this.

I have the answer to your problem, if what you are describing is accurate. I had the same problem and had to go to a sleep study because I yawned all day at work, uncontrollably. The first sleep study misdiagnose me with sleep apnea. The second study was more intensive, and found that I have "Hypersomnia". This means your brain is actually awake while you are sleeping. You never do fall into a deep restorative sleep. However, the deepest sleep you do fall into occurs when it is time to wake up in the morning. Google hypersomnia, and get a doctor to send you to an overnight and morning sleep study. This is a very rare condition, so hopefully your doctor will cooperate with you. I am on permanent disability due to this condition. Hope this helps you out.