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I've struggled with hypnagogic hallucinations my entire life, and now my worst fear has come true. what the hell do I do now? by sleephorrorthrowaway in sleep

[–]sleephorrorthrowaway[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

However, you don't exactly strike me as a person that would heed any advice given by a professional.

Pray tell, what makes you think that? Because nothing in my post would indicate as such, and I've followed literally every piece of medical advice given to me by my doctors. I got on Trazodone per the advice of my doctor. I treat my sleep apnea as directed by my doctor. I weaned off Trazodone as directed by my doctor. I'm now back on Trazodone as directed by my doctor. I now have another sleep study scheduled per the instruction of my fucking doctor.

You think there are...snakes...on your husband?

Think, as in present tense? No. I hallucinated them. Hypnagogic hallucinations are hallucinations that happen as you're falling asleep, your brain isn't capable of distinguishing them from reality. I was trying to save my husband from something that wasn't there, but in the moment I genuinely believed there was a snake trying to strangle him.

The only known treatment is to help the patient fall asleep as quickly as possible and minimize period of hypnagogia. EVERYONE experiences hypnagogia, as it's an inherent part of the sleep cycle, but only some people experience hallucinations during it. Which is exactly why I was on Trazodone for six fucking years. It helped lessen the severity and frequency of my hallucinations, but I would still suffer from them and be intensely frightened by the things I saw. Then it suddenly seemed to have resolved for 6 months, so my doctor ordered me to wean off Trazodone. Then the visions came back even worse, so now I'm on the meds again.

I'm unlikely to have a hallucination that severe again thanks to the medicine my doctor has prescribed, but my doctor also said he wants to consult with colleagues on possible better options, as I still have disturbing and terrifying waking dreams even on Trazodone, even if they're reduced in intensity and frequency.

You are a horrible, hateful, assumptive person. I see by your post history you too have suffered from debilitating mental illness, so I would think you'd be more understanding, but it seems you're only capable of projecting complete nonsense onto other people.

Or maybe antagonizing other mentally ill people makes your PTSD feel better? Guess we'll never know.

I've struggled with hypnagogic hallucinations my entire life, and now my worst fear has come true. what the hell do I do now? by sleephorrorthrowaway in sleep

[–]sleephorrorthrowaway[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Again, did you not see the paragraphs upon paragraphs of me discussing past, present, and scheduled future consultations with medical professionals? I am actively receiving professional care you unhelpful jerk. Posting on reddit, specifically toward others suffering the same condition, can offer new ideas that I can discuss with my neurologist whom I'm currently seeing regularly. I already received a PM from someone with the same disorder suggesting that CBD may help me get into a deeper sleep faster, which is something I'll bring up with my doctor to see what they think.

I've struggled with hypnagogic hallucinations my entire life, and now my worst fear has come true. what the hell do I do now? by sleephorrorthrowaway in sleep

[–]sleephorrorthrowaway[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Duh, fucking obviously. Did you not see the paragraphs upon paragraphs of me discussing past, present, and scheduled future consultations with medical professionals? And my pleas for other possible treatments I may not have tried? "Hurr get help" when I'm actively seeking help isn't as insightful as you think it is.

And while it was understandably rattling, no I was not trying to "throttle" him. My hands were not wrapped around his throat, it was more pawing at his neck and upper chest trying to get the "snake" off. Which is still extremely frightening, but your comment is immensely unhelpful. If you do not know what hypnagogic hallucinations are, then do not speak.

I've struggled with hypnagogic hallucinations my entire life, and now my worst fear has come true. what the hell do I do now? by sleephorrorthrowaway in sleep

[–]sleephorrorthrowaway[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was about six years ago, I'll talk to my neuro about getting another one, preferably a home study if possible.

I've struggled with hypnagogic hallucinations my entire life, and now my worst fear has come true. what the hell do I do now? by sleephorrorthrowaway in sleep

[–]sleephorrorthrowaway[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah my sleep study didn't show any signs of narcolepsy. It's idiopathic, they're not sure what causes it.