All my life I've never been a deep, sound sleeper, though it's not been such a chronic or disabling feature as to needing medical attention, my always managing to get (just) adequate sleep even if it means, as it regularly does, taking a nap (or two) during the day. Occasionally, as a sleep catch-up, I do take just half of one tablet of the most popular available over-the-counter sleeping aid, perhaps once in a fortnight - just half a tablet because I'm very aware of how addictive they can become for some people, something I very much don't want to become, nor have ever got close to becoming, thank heavens!
Anyway, for some months now I've been experiencing the phenomenon of waking up due to some kind of sound or noise in my dream, maybe once every couple of weeks and, when it happens, just the once in that particular night. But recently they've gotten more frequent - until last night when it happened at least three times, perhaps four! Quite concerning. The sound varies - sometimes a sort of swishing noise, occasionally a loudish report, or now and then my name being called - always within whatever dream I'm having, but disturbing enough to suddenly make me wide awake, not sure whether it was a real sound, or it came from outside the bedroom - when I sometimes have to get up and look into other rooms, or even through the window, checking outside. I'm far from a semi-sleep state but immediately wide-eyed fully awake. Then, with a sigh, I return to bed (having disturbed the cats, who are most nights both sleeping on the bed with me) and - usually - I manage to return to sleep again.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Happening to me several times in one night is definitely an entirely new departure, and rather worrying. Obviously could be doing with far less of it.
Apparently, and with no surprise, although there's no categorically simple answer to its cause other than anxiety, usually specific,
- which in my case can only be overwhelming financial pressures. Looks like I'm going to have no alternative but to beg my younger brother - he's just turned 77 - yet again for assistance merely to survive, something he's quite willing to do with no complaints at all, bless him. But I do so hate having to be carried! I used to be the richest member of my family until I made that fateful decision to emigrate to Germany in 1988. Then since my having to return to England three years later, all my money having run out, I've been impecunious ever since - it now having been for 34 years - and it ain't no fun!
Incidentally, there are 'spiritual' interpretations of this 'Exploding Head Syndrome' condition, one of which is the fortelling of a financial 'surprise' in the offing. Oh, if only it were to be true!
Anyway, my immediate and most urgent wish right now is to have fewer nights like last night was. Heigh-ho!
I’ve never heard of the syndrome, but oh yes it happens to me. It happened as far back as when I was in high school. Although maybe my mother really had often yelled from another room and then just pretended she hadn’t. I’ve never been convinced she wasn’t gas-lighting me.
ReplyDeleteI also now and again do wake myself up by spontaneously yelling out in my sleep as a reaction to what was unpleasantly or scarily going on in my dream. In those cases I feel grateful and relieved to find that I'd put a stop to whatever nastiness there'd been in the 'story'.
DeleteI have had that on occasion, where I hear a voice or thump ... I usually assume it's part of a dream.
ReplyDeleteBeing aware of the sound as actually being part of the dream must help to get through it quicker, Bob.
DeleteAlas.....Im no help in this matter. I have never heard of such an issue. And I'm the opposite of yourself. Im such a deep sleeper...I don't hear anything. To the point if someone was to break in the house and steal stuff I probably would never even hear it.
ReplyDeleteTo say that you're 'lucky' would be unfair, M.M. as I assume that there are undoubtedly other matters which involve you which you feel less positive about. However, looking at this problem (for some of us) in isolation, it definitely is one where I envy you for not possessing.
DeleteHi Ray, 70 year old female here who has experienced 'exploding head syndrome' off and on, ALL my adult life. Years ago, my doctor referred me to a neurologist who ran a battery of tests. The final result was: Yup, it happens to some people, it tends to run in families and is usually aggravated by stress or tension. His final say on the matter was that while it seems disturbing and weird, it's not physically life threatening or dangerous. Many people experience it but rarely discuss it with others because...yea, it's a strange thing. Try doing some gentle yoga stretches and breathing relaxation exercises while laying prone in bed before sleep. It might help. All the best.
ReplyDeleteHello there, Camille. I really do appreciate your visit to here.
DeleteAs part of a large-ish family (5 of us siblings) I'm not aware of any of us or my parents having this condition though, as you say, it's not generally talked about so can't say for certain. I'd assumed that there weren't any dangers to be had by possessing this condition, it's just that it can be a nuisance, disturbing my already delicate sleep patterns.
I do daily stretching exercises and am most aware of my breathing when in bed before dropping off into sleep, usually without initial difficulty, but it's the intermittent waking up in the following hours which gets me down and tires me out by the time morning comes. Still, you know full well what it's like so I've no need to explain further.
Thanks for yoiur comment - and I look forward to 'seeing' you here again sometime. Best wishes to you.
Btw: Must just mention that my neighbours in the flat below me moved out two weeks ago - and she was also called Camille, not a common name at all in these parts. In fact she was the first such-named I've ever met - and she was lovely (as also was her 'hubby'). And now there's you here, in quick succession - and just as lovely, I'm sure. ;-)
Ive had night terrors off and on my whole life, but I'm usually the one yelling to wake myself up (I warned Jeffrey about it when we first got together, but he is still startled when it occasionally happens.) I'm sorry this is plaguing you.
ReplyDeleteI hate that you struggle financially just to survive. No one should have to live like that. I grew up poor and know the struggle well. I suppose there's no source of potential windfall for you, so I hope your brother is kind and generous.
Hugs.
Thanks especially for your 2nd para above, S/b. My only potential source of a windfall is the national lottery which I've been doing every week since 1994 when it first started. But so far, apart from the VERY occasional small change there's been no win of any significance.
DeleteYes, without my brother's generosity I'd have permanently sunk a long time ago and now, being already so indebted to him I detest the thought of asking him for help yet again. But there seems to be no alternative other than to beg some more, hateful to me as it is.
I had no idea you'd been through much the same, so thank you for your words of comfort.
Neither did I know about your 'suffering' from this sleeping/waking-up condition. I don't recall you having mentioned it in your blog before though I could have missed it. From your description yours sounds quite a bit more serious than my condition is, so think no more of my relatively lesser situation. It's reassuring to know that I'm far from alone.
Sleep well, Dearie Pie - and hugs and big smooches to li'l H - and whatever's appropriate to J.
I didn't know it was a named syndrome but I have always had it too. Not as frequently as you though, perhaps a handful of times a year that I remember. It's usually a loud bang or crash or someone calling my name. I lay quietly listening and there is only silence. I too am a poor sleeper, always have been, and wake frequently all night long but am used to it and also seem to need little sleep. I am sorry this happening so frequently to you and also sorry to hear of your difficult financial position. I hope things improve for you and your brother can help you. I do think stress makes all sorts of things worse so it could be happening more often if you are stressed.
ReplyDeleteHi, Carol. It's wholly misleading name, isn't it? I wonder who thought it up AND why do they use it?
DeleteI hadn't wanted to give the impression that it's a regular experience with me, but still too. After a disturbed, sleepless night, it follows through into all the next day. Even a cat-nap or two doesn't always work, leaving the mind foggy and sluggish all day.
This blog is making me think that the condition of hearing dream sounds which wake one up is more common than we're aware. Maybe it's just because it's not widely talked about, despite being nothing to be ashamed about.
Thanks for your thoughts re my finances. I've just written to my brother requesting his help, having postponed such a move for as long as I could. Awaiting a reply, with fingers crossed.
Oops! Unintended words deleted.
Delete2nd para above - 2nd line after 'too'......"many times, maybe once or twice a month"
I've been in medicine x 30 years and this is the first time I've heard of such a syndrome. For what it is worth last weekend I attended a two hour medical lecture on insomnia/sleep; this syndrome was not mentioned. For what this is worth.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a very 'niche' expression so I'm not too surprised at you never having heard it. However, I'd be most interested to know whether the condition itself, whatever it's named, is recognised at all. I fear that it might not be, and if that is indeed the case then I can only suggest that it must be quite a serious omission.
DeleteNight terrors have to be experienced to believe ! My worst ones were of a gargoyle like creature literally from hell grabbing me by the face with the talons of just one of its large hands. Just that one hand covered my whole face. I would wake up yelling in total fear.
ReplyDeleteNight terrors are like having a nightmare while both sleeping and being awake, as if you are between those two states of mind. No doubt the subconscious effects of bad stress.
-Rj
I suppose I must be lucky, Rj, in that the vast majority of my dreams are emotionally neutral, only VERY occasionally frightening, but when I do have one they're nowhere near as scary as what you've just described. My sympathies with you or anyone else who has to live with such - and thanks for your visit.
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