Sleeping Problems

[asbytec]

I've recently, within the last year, noticed I fell asleep differently than usual. What I mean is, when I lay in bed relaxing...I feel a sudden rush of relaxation coming on. It happens so fast it actually startles me awake. Now, whether it's relaxation or a dizzy spell, I cannot be sure. All I know is it suddenly hits me and startles me.

I wasn't concerned so much about it until I began getting dizzy spells during the day. I have one about once a week or so. They startle me and are usually short lived. However, I do feel a very slight, persistent dizziness in the last few days. So, I am wondering if these two are related.

Some history I think might be important. I first began having sleep shock after my motorcycle accident. I accidentally rode off a cliff and landed pretty hard. Fortunately, I did not go all the way over. I dove off the bike. However, I did suffer a concussion and a few broken bones from bouncing around in the trees.

After the crash, I'd try to sleep while reliving the accident and how lucky I was to survive. I would envision the accident and startle myself awake. So, I suspected this would subside with time. It hasn't, and it's been nearly a year. Now, I am having dizzy spells during the day. I don't know if they are related, but I suspect they are.

I am 47 years old and in pretty good health. I do drink a lot of tea and soda, so I might be getting too much sugar. I do drink some alcohol, maybe once a week. But, I do not drink as much as I used to. I do try to stay hydrated and eat well. I have not lost nor gained any weight. I still weigh 180 lbs, only slightly heavier than than my retirement from the military 8 years ago.

I do not have headaches or nausea. My hearing is okay, and I do not run a fever. I am perplexed and getting a bit anxious. Which reminds me, I guess the dizzy spells began about the time a good friend of mine and I parted ways. I do not feel stressed anymore, and I do not know if the start of the spells is just coincidence. I thought they might be stress related, but I am not certain of that.

[MrStein]

Are you the same asbytec that posts on Ac2? If yes, perhaps you can't sleep because you have Narcissistic Personality Disorder because you were always seeking to have your Ego stroked on that website and NPD can have the symptoms you decscribed.

My ex-wife had it and had the same symptoms. Divorcing her was how I fixed that situation.

[Suri123]

Hi asbrtec, how are you doing? It seems you might have had the post accident stress syndrome although not significant, could be the probable cause. Are your blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels normal? Can you give some details of your daily routine schedules? When did the accident occur and your symptoms started? Do morning evening-walk, regular stretches, have nutritious diet with lot of water or other liquids, a hot shower and listen to soft music before going to bed can be soothing to mind and body so it may be of some help. Mild dose of alprax at hour of sleep can also be tried. You need a complete evaluation from a sleep specialist who might even do a sleep study the sleep pattern. Keep updating of any visit. Take care.

[asbytec]

I should mention I am a 10 pack year smoker. I started late in life at age 36. Also, a doctor here told me, for unrelated illness, I should take more vitamin B. She was concerned about my liver function and my (what she felt) was excessive drinking. Again my drinking is way down to once a week, socially.