Weird sleep disorders?

[goodnbad]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever heard of a disorder that has the following symptoms, which I am suffering from?

 

I go to bed at night and as soon as I close my eyes (this would be in a darkened room, no bedside lights), I see images flashing in front of my eyes....sort of like a photographic negative image. The images move very fast, like a movie being played at fast-forward. Sometimes the images seem to jump right at me, and I actually have the urge to jerk away from them. My first thought is that it is an overstimulated optic nerve or something.

 

If I close my eyes during the day, even if laying down on the couch for the rare nap, this problem doesn't occur. It is only at night---could that be just eyestrain?

 

I did read not long ago that people with narcolepsy (sleeping at inoportune times) often suffer from something similar; however, I don't have narcolepsy. I was diagnosed many years ago, though, with sleep apnea (long periods of no breathing while sleeping). I used to snore very loudly, too, but this was when I weighed 225 pounds, and I now weigh 135 AND dh says I hardly ever snore. Perhaps I should get another sleep study done?

 

It's really not a problem in regards to my sleeping as a whole, it is more of an annoyance. Anyone out there have similar experiences or have a clue as to what this could be?

 

goodnbad

[Omle]

not wierd at all dont ask me why but i get similar. like bad memories of the past in flashes of ur dreams. nothing that bad though:( i think its just memories but i heard somewhere that all dreams ussually mean something so i dunno sorry:(

[littlekitty]

I would advocate another sleep study. If you suffered with sleep apnea it probably possible that you have other sleep disorder too.

 

'Night terrors' as they are sometimes called are often experienced by narcolepsy suffers as you mention and your symptoms sound very much like this.

 

Since this only happens in the evening at sleeping time, I would go for the sleep study.

[goodnbad]

Actually, this problem occurs when I am still awake, before I fall asleep....I'm talking right away when I first close my eyes.

 

Another weird thing: if I happen to wake up a little bit after falling asleep (say, 30 minutes into it or so), I feel like my whole body is vibrating and my heart feels like its racing---almost like I had done something strenuous. But if I take my pulse, it's not racing, I just have a feeling in my chest as if it is? Very strange.

 

But yes, you're right, I think another sleep test is in order.

[RecordProducer]

It sounds like you need to talk to a good pshychiatrist. Sleep is very important for our body and mind so don't take it lightly and don't try to make self-diagnosis.

[Outcast]

You don't need to see a psychiatrist - yet anyway. Start with your regular physician and he'll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

[goodnbad]

A psychiatrist? Sorry for laughing, I understand the link between sleep and how the lack of which can affect your personality, but this is strictly a physical problem I'm experiencing, not anxiety or anything like that, but thanks anyhow.

 

See, in the past, I've had a lot of inner ear problems and lately, some visual ones attributed to the ear problem (in regards to balance). I'm thinking that there is a connection there. I'm definitely not stressed physically or depressed or whatnot. Highly doubtful it is a mental disorder.

 

However, my family does have a pretty high rate of Parkinson's and heart disorders. THAT is something I have also considered. So I guess the sleep clinic is first on the agenda, and then maybe follow through with yet another physical (all of which I have passed with flying colours so far).

 

Thanks again!

[RecordProducer]

A psychiatrist? Sorry for laughing, I understand the link between sleep and how the lack of which can affect your personality, but this is strictly a physical problem I'm experiencing, not anxiety or anything like that, but thanks anyhow.

 

I didn't mean that you have an anxiety. Their scope of work is based on the nervous system which is closely related to sleeping patterns. Neurologist would be the word that you would like better - it's the same area though. Parkinson's disease is illness of the nervous system as well. Neuropsychiatry doesn't deal with depressed housewives only.

[seahorse]

I was just wondering if anyone had ever heard of a disorder that has the following symptoms, which I am suffering from?

 

I go to bed at night and as soon as I close my eyes (this would be in a darkened room, no bedside lights), I see images flashing in front of my eyes....sort of like a photographic negative image. The images move very fast, like a movie being played at fast-forward. Sometimes the images seem to jump right at me, and I actually have the urge to jerk away from them. My first thought is that it is an overstimulated optic nerve or something.

 

If I close my eyes during the day, even if laying down on the couch for the rare nap, this problem doesn't occur. It is only at night---could that be just eyestrain?

 

I did read not long ago that people with narcolepsy (sleeping at inoportune times) often suffer from something similar; however, I don't have narcolepsy. I was diagnosed many years ago, though, with sleep apnea (long periods of no breathing while sleeping). I used to snore very loudly, too, but this was when I weighed 225 pounds, and I now weigh 135 AND dh says I hardly ever snore. Perhaps I should get another sleep study done?

 

It's really not a problem in regards to my sleeping as a whole, it is more of an annoyance. Anyone out there have similar experiences or have a clue as to what this could be?

 

goodnbad

 

goodnbad, try putting in a google search for AIWS or Alice In Wonderland Syndrome. I have had AIWS before and so do two of my sons. That can be much more noticeable at nights. Also try googling "old hag" or "night terrors". I've had them too! Do you ever or have you ever had lucid dreams? Something else to google. Don't worry, you're not alone!