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Intense Episode Last Night Led To Internet Diagnosis Today: Night Terror!

by Lee

Last night around midnight about 1 1/2 hours after going to sleep I felt like the building was collapsing around me everything was tilting and I jumped out of bed screaming and running to escape. Catching my breath in the hallway I woke up and realized it wasn't happening. My heart was racing once it slowed down I went back to bed and fell back to sleep immediately. Classic textbook night terror except I wasn't supposed to be able to remember the dream or event, but I did.

The next morning I first googled nightmares and sleep disorders and I think I had a night terror. I'm 47 years old and this isn't the first time I've run to save my life during my sleep. I used to think it was just sleepwalking. I often "dreamt" that the ceiling was falling down and very often jump out of bed and leave the bedroom but this was the first time that I screamed so loudly I was afraid the neighbors would call the police.

I think the night terrors which I have had my whole life and didn't have a name for are intensifying both in frequency and level of fear. Earlier night terrors I was scared but last night I was terrified. So I'm wondering if I should maybe see a professional psychologist? My stress level and general life situation hasn't changed to explain the new level of intensity. I don't drink alcohol or smoke or eat late and I exercise regularly.

I don't want to disturb my neighbors or wake up to the police, so what should I do?

Thanks,
Lee

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Intense Episode Last Night Led To Internet Diagnosis Today: Night Terror!

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Jul 12, 2012
 your story is my story NEW
by: Diane S

except that I dont usually get out of the room... I always try to escape from something - no idea what it is... I know that it is coming down and down and i have to get myself and my husband off the bed or it will get us... I fight and carry on with him loudly in the middle of this thing... and once got out of bed alone when he refused to come... got my phone.. his phone and the car keys and my bag .... in pitch dark in this terror and leopard crawled to the bedroom door with all this stuff.. and then realised what I was doing and stood up and walked back to bed to see a very amused hubby watching me... I semi remember... I know I feel stupid when I get back into bed / when I realise it;s a dream... last night I almost hit him because he would not come down /off the bed (lol) with me... maybe I am nuts... I think he thinks so... problem is my 20 year old has this too but he breaks door handles and windows to get out!! (dianes@stbb.co.za)
Oct 15, 2012
 I too have that experience....! NEW
by: casey

It seems but I am also trying to escape, although I do not always know what it is that I am afraid of, or what it is that I am trying to escape. But many times the bed is tilting sideways, and I constantly try to convince my wife to move to the side of the bed that is highest, so that we will not fall off and die. during this particular terror, once she is waking by my nuisance, and she says something to me, I wake up, and like Diane I feel rather embarrassed. But other times I just seem to wake up on my own, still not sure if it is real or not, I usually decide to risk it and go back to sleep.( I say risk it, because, if this has happened to you than you can understand it its 'very real perceived risk in that moment)
There are times when I get out of bed and run around trying to escape from the room collapsing. Or or some other similar disaster.
Oct 15, 2012
 I too have that experience....! NEW
by: casey

It seems but I am also trying to escape, although I do not always know what it is that I am afraid of, or what it is that I am trying to escape. But many times the bed is tilting sideways, and I constantly try to convince my wife to move to the side of the bed that is highest, so that we will not fall off and die. during this particular terror, once she is waking by my nuisance, and she says something to me, I wake up, and like Diane I feel rather embarrassed. But other times I just seem to wake up on my own, still not sure if it is real or not, I usually decide to risk it and go back to sleep.( I say risk it, because, if this has happened to you than you can understand it its 'very real perceived risk in that moment)
There are times when I get out of bed and run around trying to escape from the room collapsing. Or or some other similar disaster.
Nov 27, 2012
 Night Terror started at 13 up to 21 years old NEW
by: Alycia

I have also experienced these Night Terrors! Words can not describe the fear-impending feeling you get when you wake up in a panic attack. It felt like I was disconnected from reality and that something was out to get me. It felt like somehow the world was going to end if I did not leave the house or wake up fully. One instance at age 21 I was in a relationship that caused an extreme amount of stress because of an ex girlfriend and the baby she shared with my current fiance. I woke up heart pounding, sweating, & wimpering- with eyes open! I was sorry, naked in bed at the time but it didn't matter- I got straight up and started pacing around the room, then I ran out into the living room and kitchen trying to "wake myself up completely" I knew what was happening because of experience before but as always it seems you can not be consoled enough to feel 'normal'. It ended abruptly and I felt so embarassed. Even when I do wake up sometimes I'll still have the fear & panic lingering for hours. I often called my sister so she could talk me down & distract my mind. I've had about 10 episodes total since my adolescence - ones where I would wake up the whole house to one where I ran up the stairs of my house on all fours like an animal. Nice to hear others can share their experiences. Love to you all.
Dec 08, 2012
 children screaming and. distorted house NEW
by: gina

Ive never had night terrors until the last 6 weeks. Had a thoughyear..lost my job, relationship problems....etc. However, i feel something is after me. Within minutes of falling asleep, it starts.....room becomes distorted, noises only i can hear. Every night....except for a 4 day trip to chicago for work! I know I'm dreaming.....but the fear is paralizing! Now, twice I've heard a young girl screaming and enticing my son....calling his name over and over. I get out of bed and check him and the house. I live with 5 other people who have no experieces....or hear these things. Last night i heard a baby screaming....went downstairs....kids were up and thought i was crazy. Now I'm beginning to believe myself. I've lived here 3 years....and was a new home....anyone else?

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