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Sleep apnea and Sleep Starts (?)
I have been using my CPAP machine for about 2 years now. Though it is not related, a couple of months later I was sleeping and saw a bright spark of light in my dream or heard an explosion. Not sure which because that has happened a hand full of times. I looked it up on the internet to see what it was and it sounded like sleep starts. I know it is not related to the machine because a couple of times I slept without the machine and had the starts then too. But when I have the starts that make me think of explosions with the lights and the sounds, my sleeping brain thinks it is the cpap machine exploding and I wake up and rip the mask off my face so that it won't explode in my face. I know that it would never happen, but I can't help it. Last night when I yanked it off my face the curved nose clip detached from the rest of the face mask and won't snap back on. I guess I am very rough on my masks. I don't know if I am seeking answers as to why this happens or looking to see if this happens to anyone else.
Views: 450
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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I've had sleep starts myself. For me, its a sudden feeling of falling, or my body jerks for a second and then it's over.
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Permalink Reply by bonesigh on
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Hello, I've had plenty of sleep starts too. Like you are falling or jerked awake but never with a flash of light. I hope you find out what is causing it and I wish I could help. I've noticed that people have all kinds of reactions to being on a pap machine. I've also been on one for 2 years (about). I had the most horrific back spasms. I could not even get up one morning. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Sleep starts are defined as a feeling of falling or being jerked awake. I just read something at work about what you are describing. It is related if not catagorized with the sleep starts. I will try to swing by my office and grab the book today after I get up. I will get back to you soon.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I have had them numerous times over the years (here and there) and didn't know what they were. I get the feeling that I am falling then jerk fully awake. Odd experience and one that when it happens it takes me a few seconds to realize that I didn't really fall.
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I believe what you are experiencing is exploding head syndrome. It's symptoms include the loud bangs, or flashes of light(visual sleep starts) that you described. I did some research and found out that they can be caused by fatigue, a change in sleep environment, or when you stop taking a drug of any sort. The biggest side effect seems to be the anxiety you were describing about your cpap mask. I have not found any evidence to show that it is harmful in any way. I hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by Jess on
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I think I have experienced both. Exploding Head Syndrome (what a name!) has been the more common one. For me it is often accompanied by an electrical shock. To the best of my recollection, however, I don't think I have experienced either in the two years since I started CPAP therapy.
Rock Hinkle said:I believe what you are experiencing is exploding head syndrome. It's symptoms include the loud bangs, or flashes of light(visual sleep starts) that you described. I did some research and found out that they can be caused by fatigue, a change in sleep environment, or when you stop taking a drug of any sort. The biggest side effect seems to be the anxiety you were describing about your cpap mask. I have not found any evidence to show that it is harmful in any way. I hope this helps.
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I also used to experience Sleep Paralysis frequently (going all the way back to childhood) but it also seems to have stopped since starting CPAP therapy.
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sleep paralysis sounds terrifying. even more troubling than "exploding head syndrome".
Jess said:I also used to experience Sleep Paralysis frequently (going all the way back to childhood) but it also seems to have stopped since starting CPAP therapy.
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Exploding Head Syndrome
What is it?
Exploding head syndrome is a parasomnia. A parasomnia involves undesired events that come along with sleep. Exploding head consists of a loud noise that you suddenly imagine just before you fall asleep. It can seem like a violent explosion has gone off in your head. It can also occur as you wake up in the night.
It has also been described in the following ways:
* A painless loud bang
* A clash of cymbals
* A bomb exploding
At times it may seem like a less alarming sound. Episodes can cause a high level of distress and fear. Many people think that they are having a stroke. The number of attacks varies. They can happen very rarely. They can also occur many times in one night. Having many episodes can greatly disturb your sleep. Some people report having a cluster of attacks over several nights. Then a few weeks or months will pass before it occurs again.
A flash of light may come along with the sound. A muscle twitch or jerk may also occur. The event is normally painless. A sudden stab of pain in the head has at times been reported.
The cause of exploding head is not known. It may occur more often when you are very tired or under stress. In many people the episodes occur less often over a period of years.
Exploding head syndrome can be confused with other headache syndromes. But exploding head is normally painless. Headache syndromes can cause great pain.
Who gets it?
It is not known how many people have exploding head syndrome. It may be more common in women than in men. It can begin at all ages. It has even been reported as early as less than 10 years of age. The average age when it first appears is 58 years.
How do I know if I have it?
1. Do you imagine a sudden loud noise or explosion in your head just before falling asleep or just after waking up in the night?
2. Are these sounds normally free of any sense of pain?
3. Do these events wake you suddenly with a sense of fright?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you might have exploding head syndrome.
It is also important to know if there is something else that is causing the imagined sound. Instead of being exploding head syndrome, it may be a result of one of the following:
* Another sleep disorder
* A medical condition
* Medication use
* A mental health disorder
* Substance abuse
Do I need to see a sleep specialist?
You should see a sleep specialist if exploding head causes you great anxiety or often disrupts your sleep.
What will the doctor need to know?
The doctor will need to know when the imagined sounds began. He or she will want to know how often they occur and how long they last. The doctor will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to inform him or her of any past or present drug and medication use.
Also tell your doctor if you have ever had any other sleep disorder. Find out if you have any family members with sleep problems. It will also be helpful if you fill out a sleep diary for two weeks. The sleep diary will help the doctor see your sleeping patterns. This data gives the doctor clues about what is causing your problem and how to correct it.
Will I need to take any tests?
Tests are not normally needed for someone who has exploding head syndrome. Your doctor may have you do an overnight sleep study if your problem is severely disturbing your sleep. This study is called a polysomnogram. It charts your brain waves, heart beat, and breathing as you sleep. It also records how your arms and legs move. This study will help reveal if the imagined sounds are related to any other sleep disorder.
How is it treated?
If you notice exploding head symptoms while you are sleep deprived, then try to get more sleep every night. Most people need between six and eight hours of sleep per night.
If stress triggers exploding head symptoms, then you should consider some form of relaxation. This will help prevent stress and exploding head events. Stress relief could include short walks, reading before bed, yoga, or whatever works for you. Alcohol is a poor form of stress relief and causes sleep disruptions.
There is some evidence that the medicine clomipramine may help in treating exploding head symptoms. If you feel you need medications, then it is best to see a sleep specialist or your doctor.
Updated October 21, 2005
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