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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jared on August 22, 2000, at 16:43:41
For awhile now I have noticed that as I try to go to sleep, I have random, sometimes vivid images that flash across my mind's eye, and I have no control over them. This happens while I'm still concious, so I don't think it is due to a hypnogogic hallucination. But sometimes it can be quite scary and disturbing. Also, while trying to go to sleep, my thoughts start becoming disconnected and weird. I can't exactly explain it, but it to is very disturbing. I am afraid that this means something like I'm going crazy, I hate to ues that word, but it just doesn't seem right. I have a past history of drug use: marijuana and LSD, also I have taken in the past about every SSRI there is. I recently came off Paxil using Prozac, so I am currently drug-free, except for the Prozac which can take awile to clear the system. My question is, are these occurences normal? Does everyone have that experience of like, subconcious imagery sometimes? Also, do thoughts become distant and random ie. making no sense? I am
sane, as far as I know. I also, have these feelings of unreality sometimes and I suffer from this intense pressure-like feeling in my head, which the doctor attributes to chronic tension headaches. I am a very anxious person, and have suffered from panic, anxiety, and depression for years now. Does anyone else have these experiences? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Nibor on August 22, 2000, at 17:23:54
In reply to Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by Jared on August 22, 2000, at 16:43:41
Could you be having some form of panic attacks? Why did you stop taking paxil, which is what I take for anxiety? You mention LSD--how long ago was that? I also dropped quite a bit of acid in the late sixties, and I guess there's no way to prove it but I don't think I'd be smarter or healthier if I hadn't. Have you talked to a doctor about these flashes and whether drug use could be related?
Maybe you would feel better if you find one you can talk it over with.
Take care.
Nibor
> For awhile now I have noticed that as I try to go to sleep, I have random, sometimes vivid images that flash across my mind's eye, and I have no control over them. This happens while I'm still concious, so I don't think it is due to a hypnogogic hallucination. But sometimes it can be quite scary and disturbing. Also, while trying to go to sleep, my thoughts start becoming disconnected and weird. I can't exactly explain it, but it to is very disturbing. I am afraid that this means something like I'm going crazy, I hate to ues that word, but it just doesn't seem right. I have a past history of drug use: marijuana and LSD, also I have taken in the past about every SSRI there is. I recently came off Paxil using Prozac, so I am currently drug-free, except for the Prozac which can take awile to clear the system. My question is, are these occurences normal? Does everyone have that experience of like, subconcious imagery sometimes? Also, do thoughts become distant and random ie. making no sense? I am
> sane, as far as I know. I also, have these feelings of unreality sometimes and I suffer from this intense pressure-like feeling in my head, which the doctor attributes to chronic tension headaches. I am a very anxious person, and have suffered from panic, anxiety, and depression for years now. Does anyone else have these experiences? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by alicefranklin on August 22, 2000, at 19:47:55
In reply to Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by Jared on August 22, 2000, at 16:43:41
This sounds absolutely normal to me. All my life, this is what going to sleep has meant.I like to relax and enjoy it. If it is unusual for you, you might consider checking out Jung's writings on "Active Imagination", wherein he talks about how to harness this process to gain insight and enrichment, to enhance your conscious life. For now, though, I'd recommend you not worry about it! You're not going crazy. You may be on the brink of some exciting new discoveries.
Posted by shar on August 22, 2000, at 22:51:31
In reply to Re: Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by alicefranklin on August 22, 2000, at 19:47:55
I don't know if this would count, but I have had many experiences of sleep-talking (and I talk in my sleep). It was usually when (in my misspent youth) I was with my lover, and we didn't get to see each other much, and we would try to stay awake and talk as long as possible. What would happen was that we would be saying totally nonsensical things, not even making sentences, as our sleepiness grew. There was no comprehensible topic, just random words.
I would not worry about crazy if I were you; but I would mention it at my next doc appt. if it still bothers you. If you were going crazy, I think you would have many more significant signs.
Shar
> This sounds absolutely normal to me. All my life, this is what going to sleep has meant.I like to relax and enjoy it. If it is unusual for you, you might consider checking out Jung's writings on "Active Imagination", wherein he talks about how to harness this process to gain insight and enrichment, to enhance your conscious life. For now, though, I'd recommend you not worry about it! You're not going crazy. You may be on the brink of some exciting new discoveries.
Posted by Jena Lyn on August 23, 2000, at 8:16:05
In reply to Re: Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by shar on August 22, 2000, at 22:51:31
I do that too...its become part of the pattern of me trying to go to sleep. TRYING being the operative word because it takes me hours to fall asleep because my mind goes wild at night. Its total chaoes...I think about the strangest things, sometimes they are really good things but most of the time its morbid and really sad. I haven't found a way to stop these thoughts, my med is supposed to be helping but its not...so now I just deal with it the best I can...
-Jena-
Posted by stjames on August 23, 2000, at 14:17:43
In reply to Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by Jared on August 22, 2000, at 16:43:41
I get something like this, on some AD's. In a quasi dream state stange things happen at the outside of my visual field.
james
Posted by shar on August 24, 2000, at 2:20:55
In reply to Re: Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by stjames on August 23, 2000, at 14:17:43
I don't know if this would help at all, but I use a technique that is sort of meditative because it focuses the mind in a fairly neutral direction.
It's very flexible, but here's how I do it. It starts with the alphabet. I pick a topic (animals, plants, things in the kitchen, things in a car) and then starting with A, list them.
I use a very liberal definition, so things about plants could include peat moss, water, fertilizer, etc. Just has to be related in some way. If I find my mind wandering (and it does) I just bring it back to where I was. That's the meditative part. Bringing your mind back to focus on the activity.
So, let's take PB. Answering questions, babble, celexa, depression, effexor, forgetfulness, good advice, help, ideas, jokes, klonopin, lithium, mania, new drugs, odors, parnate, quitting meds, requests, sleep, tremors, u get the idea...
If I get stumped, I can leave it and come back to it.
just a suggestion.
S
Posted by SC on August 26, 2000, at 19:02:37
In reply to Recommendation upon going to sleep, posted by shar on August 24, 2000, at 2:20:55
It sounds pretty normal to me too. Now you guys can laugh but here is something I read about and it often helps me get to sleep especially in cool weather. I read that years ago an old sleepless remedy that all our grandparents knew was to wear socks to bed. Something about keeping feet warm affecting the rest of the body and brain. Anyway I have been doing this for some time now and I swear it helps a lot. Its worth a try as it wont do much but hurt your dignity at the worst.
Posted by paul on August 29, 2000, at 23:25:13
In reply to Re: Recommendation upon going to sleep, posted by SC on August 26, 2000, at 19:02:37
comically enough this is the OLDEST piece of mountaineering advice on the books. warm feet=sound sleep. you won't find a SINGLE sleeping-bag manufacturer who don't hoot'n'holler about why his bag is the best without he mentions der tootsies.
p(c(l))
Posted by NikkiT2 on August 30, 2000, at 10:32:40
In reply to Strange occurences upon going to sleep?, posted by Jared on August 22, 2000, at 16:43:41
I often get strange pre-sleep dreams.. and they tend to always have a violet end, shocking me back awake.. I do quite enjoy them though, as it means I'm falling asleep (something i find hard!)
Shar - I do my "times tables" when I can't sleep.. Think I'll try your idea next time as it's getting boring doing Math at night!! And I also try singing repetative songs (99 bottles of beer ont he wall etc).
Oh, and I've *always* worn socks to bed, summer or winter!!!
Nikki
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