11–20 of 109 posts
It's not normal to start dreaming as you fall asleep ? I thought that's how you know you're falling asleep? That you're starting to see the dreams?
But hallucinations while semi sleep are wild, idk if it is normal, i haven't really considered before
This is fascinating. Three years ago, after recovering from COVID, along with many long haul symptoms I developed several similar to but still distinct from narcolepsy. Even now as the CFS-like symptoms have mostly faded, the narcoleptic symptoms are still present. Unfortunately I've not been able to get a positive diagnosis of any sort because it's atypical. There are two main symptoms I experience. First is that, o…
> just a more extreme case of the first is a complete inability to wake up.
> everything feels so exceptionally tired and heavy that I feel like I don't have the strength to move anything, even to turn my head.
I've tried to describe this feeling to others, but it's difficult. I call it my "death sleep," not to be dramatic, but because it's like waking from the deepest, most complete unconsciousness I can imagine. The heaviness in my body and chest make it feel a burden even to keep breathing; so I fall back asleep quickly.
After months of this, and visits with many specialists including a cardiologist, endocrinologist, and pulmonologist, an MSLT [1] gave the diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia [2, 3], which makes me laugh when you break it down: ("idio" = Unknown, "pathic" = Cause, "hyper" = Very, "somnia" = Sleep).
That diagnosis, while frustratingly vague, has at least allowed me to be prescribed medication that has made a big difference in my day-to-day alertness.
[1]: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/narc... [2]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypersomnia/s... [3]: https://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/ih/
> Whenever you are in the throws of a cataplectic attack, lying motionless and completely helpless, focus all your energy into "finding" the tip of your index finger (either one will do). Now, just try to wiggle it around in a small circle. [--] The wrist and forearm will follow, then the whole arm, and soon you'll unlock the rest of your body.
I hope there's serious research on this to find out if it works for everyone and if not, whether there are alternative strategies: > Whenever you are in the throws of a cataplectic attack, lying motionless and completely helpless, focus all your energy into "finding" the tip of your index finger (either one will do). Now, just try to wiggle it around in a small circle. [--] The wrist and forearm will follow, then the…
(N1 over here aswell! Although mine came from some unfortunate circumstances rather than from birth ) Pleasantly surprised to find an article/blog on narcolepsy on HN. All of the described experiences sound familiar, except the vivid dreaming while awake. Sleep paralysis, been there, always having dreams when asleep, yup (although for me MOST dreams are also lucid, which can get kind of get tiring, as I feel like I d…
This is fascinating. Three years ago, after recovering from COVID, along with many long haul symptoms I developed several similar to but still distinct from narcolepsy. Even now as the CFS-like symptoms have mostly faded, the narcoleptic symptoms are still present. Unfortunately I've not been able to get a positive diagnosis of any sort because it's atypical. There are two main symptoms I experience. First is that, o…
Wow I'm sorry to hear that, but it's also refreshing to hear from someone with a similar experience. > just a more extreme case of the first is a complete inability to wake up. > everything feels so exceptionally tired and heavy that I feel like I don't have the strength to move anything, even to turn my head. I've tried to describe this feeling to others, but it's difficult. I call it my "death sleep," not to be dra…
I'm not diagnosed, but I always have REM before falling asleep. It's how I know I'm about to call sleep when laying in bed. I love the visualizations before bed. I also routinely take 10m nap between 10-12 every day. Always hit REM then too.
The sad part is he has felt quite embarrassed by all this growing up. These are not dangerous situations, but it just feels awkward for a teenager. He also talks and walk in his sleep. Even worse is that no one believed him when he suggested he might have narcolepsy. Our mom is a doctor but figured he was just tired like all young, growing boys. It took a brain scan to get it sorted.
He's been prescribed Ritalin or something similar, but manages without.
This is fascinating. Three years ago, after recovering from COVID, along with many long haul symptoms I developed several similar to but still distinct from narcolepsy. Even now as the CFS-like symptoms have mostly faded, the narcoleptic symptoms are still present. Unfortunately I've not been able to get a positive diagnosis of any sort because it's atypical. There are two main symptoms I experience. First is that, o…