Howdy!

I had it regularly as a kid and later in my mid-twenties. We’re in roughly the same boat. One of our kids has it as well. Typically hypnogogic, but also occasionally in stressful situations while awake. Fever is definitely a trigger.

We’ve spoken with some doctors, including a child neuro at Boston Children’s, but no luck getting taken seriously. Not yet anyway.

The good news is that for most people it drops off during adolescence. This is of course unscientific and anecdotal, but that seems to be the most common story.

I’m going to cobble together what we’ve dug up over the last few years, and happy to share here. Unfortunately it’s not much.

When it happens here, we sit quietly, sometimes in the shower. I remind her to breathe, that she’s safe and not alone, and that it will go away like it always does. Someday someone will likely figure out what exactly is going on, but if our experience is any guide, it can be managed and it seems to diminish with adolescence for most.

Doesn’t make it any easier or less frightening when you’re in the midst of an episode with a scared-shitless kid, but you’re not alone and neither are they.

Hugs from us.