Hear music in my head...

[chimyers]

I have had insomnia for a couple years now and have tried a ton of different things with that. I was on ambien and trazadone for a while, but started to develop a dependence and was feeling more tired even though I was sleeping. Before that I exhausted all of the sleep hygiene and over the counter and herbal remedies. The problem is occasionally sleep onset but always with sleep maintenance. I had a sleep study that didn't show apnea but did show RERA's which indicate upper airway resistance. I've seen an Ear/nose/throat and an allergist and both noticed I had very swollen turbinates. I've tried antihistamines with topical nose sprays and those helped a little with the sleeping but it is still an ongoing struggle. Anyways, that is just background for my question.

Occasionally when I am trying to fall asleep I hear music in my head. Not a distinct tune or song that I know or have heard, mostly muffled sounds like bass and guitar or a band like drums and trumpets.  Basically, it just sounds like the people upstairs are playing music a little louder than I would like when trying to sleep. This only happens if I have one ear on the pillow. If I try to ignore it it gets louder. If I pick my head up off the pillow it goes away and I only hear silence. Some nights when I am sleeping really poorly I will wake up with tinnitus, really loud ringing in my ear, but this is very rare (however I don't know if the two may be related.) Does anyone know what could be causing this?  I haven't mentioned this to my doctor yet because it had seemingly gone away but I have been experiencing it again lately.

[Heiferly]

Have you ever had a sleep study? All of the symptoms you describe are possible symptoms of sleep disorders. It might be helpful to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, and ask if a sleep study may be appropriate. Considering your auditory hallucinations at sleep onset, which may be something called "hypnagogic hallucinations," doing an MSLT (or "nap study") along with the regular sleep study (polysomnogram) may be diagnostically helpful.

Just to let you know, I have personally experienced all of the symptoms you are describing. I used to find the auditory hallucinations distracting and sometimes even upsetting when I was trying to fall asleep. However, once I got diagnosed with a sleep disorder (in my case, narcolepsy), I found they didn't both me as much because at least I knew what was causing it. Extremely realistic, vivid dreams can also be a sign of sleep disorders; I get these as well with my narcolepsy. I strongly recommend that you speak with a doctor about these symptoms, as there are treatments available that can improve the quality of sleep for people with sleep disorders.

Best, H.

[amrepop]

I know this post is old, but what you said is exactly what happens to me.  And I am not laying on my ears, just on my back, I can not make out the music, like others posting.  I even asked my husband if he hears it.  Though when I sit up, at times I can still hear it, sometimes it sounds like people talking too.  Does it still happen?  I have had a brain MRI, due to migraines and my brain is fine.  Neck problems is all. I am on topimax and other meds, so I usually doze right off now.  My sister told me to try and tap into the noise, maybe it's a physic ability but I can't even imagine.  I guess she said that because I have a lot of strange dreams as well that seem very real.  Although it's strange, it's a relief to hear other people have it happen.  I don't think it's dangerous, at least I know there is nothing dangerous for me since I had an MRI.  Did you ever see a Doctor?

[Brad75]

I have the same problem, sounds like a tv show is on even when I'm miles away from anyone with a tv or radio.

[margypops]

I heard here on MH recently this is called ear worms...look it up.it doesnt mean you have worms in your ears

[avner123]

I have listened music in night but it is hardly half an hours. Because if you hear music constantly it can be affect on your sleep.

[seaecho]

YES! I hear actual songs in my sleep at night, and very often during the day as well. It's also usually songs I've heard recently, like you. It really gets to me, as I am hearing music almost literally 24/7!  I mentioned it to my psychiatrist and also a psychologist when I was seeing one, and they both seemed a bit baffled by it, and offered no advice. They didn't seem worried about it. I've never heard of anyone else with this problem, so it helps to know I'm not alone. I will sometimes hear the same song for 3-4 days straight, and at other times, it is different songs.