It happened again last night.
It's been happening quite a lot recently.
Pam had to slap me to wake me up, because I was kicking and punching in my sleep and she was afraid she would be hurt.
This behaviour first manifested itself a couple of years ago, but its occurrence is becoming more regular as time goes by - the severity and force of my movements is also slowly increasing.
As you will imagine, I am saddened and ashamed by this involuntary nocturnal behaviour (which is linked to the incredibly lucid dreams that I experience), but I am not sure what to do about it.
I have read that the problems I am having may be linked to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder, and may be an early sign of Parkinson's disease or Lewy Bodies dementia, and that there is a correlation with a propensity for pareidolia (seeing faces in things - see my recent blog) which I also have.
This is how it usually goes... I am in a dream situation. It is detailed and real, although the reality I am living out will be a novel one - Last night for instance, I was in the Commons chamber of the Houses of Parliament fighting for my life to avoid being choked to death by an attacker who was intent on murdering me!
I awoke when I felt a slap and heard my wife shouting "Pete!" "Stop it!". I instantly realised I had been dreaming, and was able to subside back into sleep almost immediately. Indeed, I had forgotten the incident until Pam reminded me of it this morning. As always, Pam is much more worried about me than she is about herself. I on the other hand am frightened and embarrassed, and am searching for any solution to this slowly worsening situation. Should I see my doctor? To be honest, I don't think they'll be interested. I suppose I'll try and book an appointment though, just to get my worries on record. I realise that this isn't the most constructive blog entry, but it's a record of where I am on my journey and something may resonate with one or two of my readers. I'd dearly like to hear about any similar experiences you might have had.
You can find out a little more about Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder here: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/rapid-eye-movement-sleep-behavior-disorder/print
Hi Peter
Fighting in your sleep is something I also experience. So I understand the fear that you might hurt your wife.
One simple thing that you can do is change which side of the bed you sleep. If you are right handed and footed you possibly sleep with your wife on your left side, this would make reaching out for a cuddle more natural. Unfortunately it makes it easier to throw a punch or kick out.
If you change to the left side you will be facing out of bed, so if you start lashing out in your dream state you are less likely to use your left, plus if you should it is your weaker side.
Unfortunately this…