Question
Hi Karel,
I've been having hypnogoic hallucinations all my life but have never been diagnosed with narcolepsy (I hate doctors and don't trust them). Last night I woke up and my room was covered with a giant blue spider's web and last week I saw a kangaroo leaning over my boyfriend - although they're mostly of people standing in my room. I've had them while awake, but only rarely. I've also had a couple of audio hallucinations in the form of someone whispering to me.
They no longer scare me, unless I haven't had one for a while and then it's a shock.
I've only ever fallen asleep at work once, about six months ago. My only symptom seems to be the hallucinations. Is there any reason I should be seeking medical help that I don't know about? I can live with the hallucinations, but will I get more symptoms eventually? Do you think I have narcolepsy?
Sue
Answer
You could have narcolepsy,as you mentioned you fell asleep at work.Usually narcolepsy and its symptoms take about 3-5 years,for all the symptoms if they were to come out to do so.If you find you are tired during the day,thenI would suggest you get evaluated at a sleep center.If you snore or overweight,this could also be sleep apnea.There is an illness which is some form of narcolepsy called hypersomnia.Go to the website sleepnet.com,and click on narcolepsy,and hypersomnia.If you are taking any meds contact your md.as meds can have this reaction.Should these symptoms persist i would go to a sleep center.No one likes doctors,but if you want to get down to the problem,and it still persists then you will have to go.Good luck,feel free to write again,karel
