Question
Hello,
I have been living with my boyfriend for a year now and often he will wake up with the slightest of sounds and other times he can sleep through the alarm buzzing for quite a while or sleep through his alarm all together. Also sometimes when he wakes up it he has a very shocked expression and seems to still be dreaming though his eyes are open and he interacts with me. It's as if the dream is continuing. I have asked him about this because I am scared since he is also a smoker that this may be hurting his heart. I can't imagine it's good to wake-up all the time with such a fright. He has apparently suffered from this most of his life, according to his mother. I am wondering what can be done, if it is anything serious?
Answer
What he is experiencing maybe 2 things one is normal phenomenon called hypnangogic hallucinations, out brains and body are synced that they awaken and fall asleep same time but once in awhile is a lag of about a second and so one is still dreaming with ones eyes open. this is normal however if happens all the time, you can go to a sleep center especially if any of these awakenings affect his performance in the daytime and his alertness. Also if he smokes and has numerous awakenings and snores he could have sleep apnea, at which time he should visit a sleep center for an evaluaiton your local hospital can refer you.Go to sleepnet.com click on disorders sleep apnea, if his daytime alertness is not affected and the dreaming happens once in awhile then i wouldnt worry, but if this is bothersome then he should see a sleep center. feel free to email agai karel.
