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Mental Health > Sleep Disorders Forum > Jolted awake right before dreaming...
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Q: Jolted awake right before dreaming...
asked by: Kewkky on August 21st, 2008
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Second time I write this post. Hope it won't ask me to log in again and delete everything...

So, every once in a while (like one to two straight weeks in a month) I get these things before I start dreaming. I'm lying in my bed, in a position that I find comfortable (prone usually), waiting for the sandman to do me in, until... I get an electric shock that continues through my whole body for practically a 1/4 second. I felt it in my brain, I heard it, I tasted it, I've seen white flashes, and on the most powerful episode I felt, my arms were flailing around when I opened my eyes (my dad thought that it was some form of epilepsy), and I experienced insomnia for 3 hours after that due to the anxiety it created. Sometimes though, the jolt stops at my torso, affecting only my arms, chest, neck and head... And other times, these episodes wake me up, but they're not HUGE electric shocks, more like I expect them to strike, and I prepare myself mentally, which cushions the blow it gives me.

That's the explanation I used to give, but after the experiment I did a few days ago (I was having recurrent episodes of these and I couldn't sleep, so I kept trying to sleep NOT for the sake of sleeping, but to see if I could find out anything else about what was happening to me... You know, new feelings and such?), I found out that they weren't electric shocks. Instead, my skin or muscles (or both) tightened and released so fast all over my body, it felt and heard like an electric shock.

Funny thing is, too, that usually they start when I'm about to start dreaming. You know, those weird thoughts that go back and forth before you fall asleep. I usually see a bee flying around and colliding with my face right before one of these attacks (which is actually very curious), but at other times, I've been hit with a bat, hit a wall, someone's opened a door (all of these in my thoughts, though, before I enter dream mode), and other times, it's just no dreams or thoughts, yet it still happens.

So, my question: What do you think I'm experiencing? I used to be OK about it after I read "Exploding Head Syndrome" information, but after I found out that it wasn't just sound with an electric follow-up (like some EHS sufferers feel slight pain) but instead a bothersome contraction of my skin and muscles all over my body, my curiosity revived.
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rooted
replied on August 25th, 2008
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I'd suggest that you videotape yourself while falling asleep, record the subjective symptoms, and then take your case to a sleep specialist. Sleep disorders can be complicated conditions involving both psychological, neurological and physical symptoms and causes.
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Kewkky
replied on August 26th, 2008
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Huh, I guess I forgot it could be related to psychological defects... I'm expecting being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Panic Attacks, plus I have ADHD, so it might have to do with some brain imperfection.

Guess I'll ask a psychologist before running to a sleep specialist. Thanks for the info! I completely forgot about how sleep disorders link with other problems!
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rooted
replied on August 27th, 2008
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You're very welcome. And please let us know what kind of techniques you try and which suggestions work for you...it can help others!
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jolted1
replied on February 11th, 2009
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Exact same problem
I just wanted to let you know that I am going through the exact same thing. I see different things hit my face and body and am also jolted awake. One time, I saw someone shoot a gun at me and this same thing occurred. It is right before I actually feel myself fall asleep. If you find out what this is or if anyone knows what it is, please let me know.
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flyingsaturn
replied on June 29th, 2009
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r
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flyingsaturn
replied on June 29th, 2009
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It sounds like Nocturnal Myoclonus, or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder. The same thing happened to me. I'm taking anti-depressants and Ambian at night, which helps. Also have been going to a Homeopath, and have had 3 remedys, which is also helping.

The docs say it's a form or RLS. I did a web search, and there's a guy who had daytime myoclonus, and takes a coffee enema, once a week. Something about coffee that increases our bodies natural Glutathione. He says it works great, but that's a bit over the top for me.

Any more questions, let me know. I might be able to help.... flyingsaturn.
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