Question
Hi, I recently have been hallucinating just as i can feel myself going to sleep. I know I am awake at the time as my bedroom is exactly how it is normally clock is at the right time and if the Tv is on its the correct programme so I know I am not sleeping. I become paralysed and try to wake myself up, sit up or scream out, but cant move or make any noise. It is never a pleasant experience as it is always something horrible like a nightmare. Usually a man or ghost in my room trying to get into my bed or a giant spider which i can see running along the floor! I am so scared to go to sleep. It also starts off with a really loud buzzing in my ears and head and it gets so loud I think my head is going to explode!This is how i know its going to happen again and i try so hard to stay awake. I know this sounds stupid but it scares me so much, PLEASE HELP! I dont want to go to my GP as Im scared he'll think im making it up! or just think im dreaming!
Answer
What you are experiencing is normal natural phenomenon called sleep paralysis and hypnangogic hallucinations, its when it happens often and your daytime wakefulness is being affected that you should go to the sleep center and have your sleep monitored for possibly a diagnosis of narcolepsy, however once in a while, its normal. Our brains and body are set to go asleep together and awaken, but once in awhile there is a lag of a nano second and so your body is asleep which is why you are paralyzed and your eyes are open but you are dreaming. Research doesnt know why this happens. If you go to sleepnet.com click on narcolepsy you willsee those 2 symptoms. For now 3 hours before bedtime stay away from tea, coffee, caffeine, caramel colored soda, coke, pepsi, ginger ale, and exercise all this make for restless sleep. 30 minutes before bedtime take a hot bath and l5 minutes before bedtime drink a glass of warm milk. Milk when heated contains tryptophan a natural amino acid sleep inducer. Go to sleepnet.com click on disorders narcolepsy to read more, But for now relax you are normal. feel free to email again karel
