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Weird Head Pain When Going To Sleep

by Rebecca
(Stockport)

When I'm going to sleep my head feels all funny, like a weight dragging my head down. It scares me. It doesn't happen all the time, it just feels weird and scary.

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Jun 07, 2011
 Head pain
by: Figueroa

If you got trouble like me in going to sleep just ask your doctor if your ok
Jul 28, 2011
 Head pulling down
by: Jank

How would you describe the sensation you are feeling? When I have an episode of sleep paralysis it feel like my head is SLOWLY sinking or being pulled by some "force" into my pillow. It doesn't hurt though. I just feel (or kind of hear) vibrations around my head. If I notice this within the first second or so of this happening sometimes I can wake up. This might be what is happening to. If I don't respond, I'll become "paralyzed" (I'm awake but can't open my eyes or move) until I can eventually snap out of it.
I'm 41 years old. I've learned to try not to fall asleep while laying flat. This helps minimize my episodes. Does any of this sound similar to your issues?
Jul 28, 2011
 Swimming, Heavy Head
by: Lynn

I have a similar thing... my head feels weighted and like it's being pulled down. The same strange feeling also occurs in my legs and also seems to affect my breathing-- I'll start gasping, as though those muscles are also affected. I feel like no one understands and I'm starting to feel crazy and depressed. Seeing that someone else has the issue with the head makes me feel not so alone. I am living through one tired and depressing day after another trying to find out what it wrong with me.
Oct 31, 2011
 Wierd feeling in head.
by: Dianne

I think I have something similar but it doesn't hurt. It feels like you can feel your brain itself. Feels like pressure maybe. Sometimes I try to let it keep going but always get afraid and shake my head to wake mysel up to stop it. The longer i try to let the sensation go on the stronger it gets. I'm afraid I will die if I follow the sensation. Question: is this the same thing you have and if so....have you suffered head trauma?
Oct 31, 2011
 Wierd feeling in head.
by: Dianne

I think I have something similar but it doesn't hurt. It feels like you can feel your brain itself. Feels like pressure maybe. Sometimes I try to let it keep going but always get afraid and shake my head to wake mysel up to stop it. The longer i try to let the sensation go on the stronger it gets. I'm afraid I will die if I follow the sensation. Question: is this the same thing you have and if so....have you suffered head trauma?
Nov 01, 2011
 response
by: Jank

No head trauma with me. It also doesn't hurt. But I really understand the "letting it go" and it "getting worse". I also eventually panic (most of the time) and force myself to wake up.

Honestly, it has been awhile since I had an episode. Not sure why though.
Nov 01, 2011
 weird head pain when going to sleep
by: Dianne

Yes, understand the panic part too. I've wondered what this is for many years....since I was a child. It can't be caused by medication since I've had it since I was a young child and my mother didn't take anything when she was pregnant with me.
Nov 15, 2011
 I feel this too! NEW
by: Joe

I feel this too! I really agree with the statement that said you can feel your brain! I'm wondering is this damaging? Like is there some type of disease or virus that causes this? I'm trying to not let it bother me, but it does.
Nov 15, 2011
 weird head pain when going to sleep NEW
by: Dianne

I don't think it is damaging. I've had it since I was very small. I think we are suffering from a sleep disorder that causes us to feel something that may happen to everyone when they go to sleep but for some reason we are still semi conscious.
Feb 19, 2012
 feel my brain fall asleep NEW
by: Anonymous

I sometimes can "feel" my brain waves change just as I am about to fall asleep. If I try to re-awaken from this stage, it is a struggle. There is a sense of having had to much to drink (alcohol) and loss of the ability to stay awake. Once in a while, it "feels" like someone is putting a cover over my brain, weighing it down. I can sometimes shake myself awake, but I do not have a sense of full awareness, almost as though I am dreaming still. I can turn on the light and get out of bed, but feel dizzy. I do not have good balance. As a child, I had "nightmares" of an invisible cloak covering me and asphyxiating me. Other times, I saw a waving green-dotted black screen (always right to left) which put me into a panic. I am now 67 years old and have found that not many have this problem.
Apr 09, 2012
 weird head pain when sleep NEW
by: Anonymous

I have feel the same too! I'm feel heavy in my head like someone push my head really hard,and following my teeth pressing each other like cramp around my mouth,and I can feel like some electricity short cut around my head.and I try to a wake its really difficult then when I wake up I feel bit pain around my mouth,I feel this so many times but never try to check with Doctor because worry for the result after,is there any one what is this?or is just normal weird head pain?
Apr 09, 2012
 Me too ! NEW
by: Johnski

I used to have exactly this from when I was about 20 to 30. Im 40 now and havent had it in a while. I know it was quite rare and difficult to explain to anyone as no-one could understand it, except by chance I worked with someone who did experience the same. We concluded (as someone else has posted here) that it was paralysis of the body whilts still awake, but most people are out for the count by then!
I used to always get it especially if I went to sleep in an afternoon so used to avoid sleeping then. No harm with it, although a little scary at times, and Im sure it will pass with time.
Aug 17, 2012
 what is this called and how to cure it NEW
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know the name of it and how to avoid it
Aug 19, 2012
 Title NEW
by: Jank

Sleep Paralysis
Aug 20, 2012
 Weird feeling in head going to sleep. NEW
by: Anonymous

I am shocked there are so many that have it. Nobody I ever talked to understood what I was talking about. Its nice to find other's that do.
Oct 05, 2012
 pains in my head just as I'm falling alseep NEW
by: Anonymous

Omg I'm feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one I really agree with the statment made be that I'm sometimes feel I'm still awake and I'm liked trape in my body and can't pull myslef out of it its scarey aswell sometimes I don't wanna fall asleep because its that horrible x
Oct 12, 2012
 weird things that happen in my sleep NEW
by: Carolina

Hi God Bless everyone. So as i open this page i start reading some of the comment that all you beautiful people are writing. I had the samething where i am sleeping and i feel like someone is holding me and i cant move , i cant talk , and i hear weird noise like a vibration noise. I go to church and im a Christian and so far what my grandmas told me and what i understa is that the devil is trying to bother me while i sleep. He had try to kill me so many time while i sleep. Jn different ways. Some people might be possessed by some demons that won't leave you alone into you are free from it n only God can.do that. the only way i would be okay and be able to wake up is by praying in my.mind and every.time i do it it let go . If any othe father info plz email me. Sonyalora16@gmail.com
Dec 24, 2012
 Seriously?! NEW
by: Anonymous

Carolina...

You're a fool
Dec 31, 2012
 TO ANONYMOUS NEW
by: michelle

Anonymous. That wasn't very nice...everyone is free to believe in what they need to to get through life...do not be critical to those who believe differently than you...that's extremely close minded.
Jan 02, 2013
 phew... NEW
by: Steve UK

Hey everyone... ive just woken up from an episode now... im 26 and had this happen quite a few times but never checked online or with my doc... i find it terrifying and always makes me panic then end up with sweats and dry mouth and eventually a headache (meaning no sleep)... no one ive ever described it to has felt this... i used to suffer from an anxiety disorder too so kinda just assumed it was related... im just really happy to find people with the same symptoms and questions... :)
Jan 08, 2013
 it terrifies me when it happens NEW
by: jeannie

iv just had an episode where my head is sinking into my pillow and i feel a horrible humming in my head. i woke paralysed but was able 2 snap out of it only to have it happen three more times after that. the only way to stop it was to get up so here i am to dam scared to goto sleep. iv had this in the past. usually i have hallucinations and think im bein taken away by something when i have an episode. such a scary thing when this happens so i certainly understand how you guys feel.
Jan 16, 2013
 INSOMIA BODY PARALYSIS MOOD CHANGES (ingomar-94@hotmail NEW
by: dennis 18 yr

ive also had it for 2 years the feeling of ur brain or ears sauzing or a tap noise in ur brain causes pain. and when u go to sleep like something or someone whispers in ur ear. after a while ur whole body and brains are paralysed while u hear strange noises. whike this occurs i am still able to open my eyes and look around while i still have to control my breathing. when i wake up the strange noises are gone and when you lie down. and then in the middle of the night i get hungry and thirsty all of a sudden. after im in my bed i have to pee. it keeps going on till the morning arises and im unrested wanting to stay in my bed till i can get a little sleep. it made me not being able to finish my school and job because i had lack of energy lack of interest and iritation.

NOT BEING ABLE TO SLEEP MADE ME WANTING TO KILL MYSELF! knife against my troath but i didnt had the balls to do it because i thought it would go wrong and i would still be half alive. i just wanted somone to do it for me.

"AVOID STRESS AT ALL TIMES HOW TEMpTING THIS EVEN IS THIS IS A MUST!!! "

so i tought this will never go over so i started to work on myself. eating on time HEALTHY and WORKOUT TO THE FULLEST or u wont be able to become tired.GET OUT THE HOUSE get a job u like to do. quit eating or drinking sugar or cola. it makes u stay awake at night. GET A FEMALE OR MALE girlfriend or boyfriend to sleep next to you. sex also helps to tire urself. dont watch much television especially not at night no creepy movies.

if nothing of these above help theres one more i suggest u to try is marigiuana yes weed it calms down ur stress. its not a drug its a plant and if u burn it u get some kind of effect that makes u high. cocaine and pills is a drug. weed is not a drug. drugand will make u able to fall asleep.
do it with a friend or friend though. make sure ur week rythym stays the same though no drastic changes. any questions mail me.
Jan 17, 2013
 Are you being serious? NEW
by: Anonymous

Dennis, I feel like I lost brain cells reading your comment.
Apr 13, 2013
 Me too NEW
by: CJ

Hi Everybody, It is a little comforting to hear that I am not alone in my weird head sensations. I have a dragging down sensation when tired, as well as a squeezing pulsating one from time to time. I try slow deliberate breathing and comforting scripture, like Psalm 23. Dennis, I'm so sorry your symptoms are so frightening. Most of us here can identify with that, but please don't let yourself be thinking about harming yourself. It is NOT the answer! Get some counseling or talk to a minister or a doctor. Things will get better.
Apr 13, 2013
 Me too NEW
by: CJ

Hi Everybody, It is a little comforting to hear that I am not alone in my weird head sensations. I have a dragging down sensation when tired, as well as a squeezing pulsating one from time to time. I try slow deliberate breathing and comforting scripture, like Psalm 23. Dennis, I'm so sorry your symptoms are so frightening. Most of us here can identify with that, but please don't let yourself be thinking about harming yourself. It is NOT the answer! Get some counseling or talk to a minister or a doctor. Things will get better.
Dec 03, 2013
 i have this too!!! NEW
by: Anonymous

i have this exact thing!! ive done my share of drugs so im wondering if this is a result of possible brain damage. also, i have it where its like everything is going black and i feel my brain like its going to short out or somthing. if i can relax and just let the feeling keep getting harder but i alway panic and snap out of it right before i feel like im going to die. its not a good comparison but i can kind of recreate the feeling if i pushing both my temples really hard. it doesnt nessisarily scare me but i was wondering if the drugs (benadryl, DXM, ecstasy, 2CB)
May 02, 2014
 Weird head pain. NEW
by: Anonymous

I get those some times, most likely it's allergies also lack of sleep..I use a more hot than cold washcloth over my forth head
May 02, 2014
 Weird head pain. NEW
by: Anonymous

I get those some times, most likely it's allergies also lack of sleep..I use a more hot than cold washcloth over my forth head
May 02, 2014
 Weird head pain. NEW
by: Anonymous

I get those some times, most likely it's allergies also lack of sleep..I use a more hot than cold washcloth over my forth head
Jun 09, 2014
 help NEW
by: Anonymous

I get this weird feeling whilst falling asleep like something is waking me up its like the weird est thing ever I do not know . How to stop it and its torture. Sleep depraved ..
Jun 21, 2014
 sleep paralysis NEW
by: Anonymous

I used to get Sleep paralysis if someone was sleeping next to them i was able to to look down on my body and see them next to me and a dark cloud would come in through my door and surround me im guessing its because i used lots of heroin and it changed my sleep patterns boom theirs your answer hahaha.
Jul 22, 2014
 need answers NEW
by: Anonymous

I am wondering the same thing when im sleep or just waking up my head be hurting I'm trying to figure out what can possibly be causing this...
Jul 22, 2014
 need answers NEW
by: Anonymous

I am wondering the same thing when im sleep or just waking up my head be hurting I'm trying to figure out what can possibly be causing this...
Sep 18, 2014
 feels like my pillow is moving NEW
by: Anonymous

I can be laying in bed awake or asleep an my pillow moves against my ear like something is alive in my pillow. Ive tryed changing pillows an it still happens with different pillows, i feel like maybe im going nuts, ive told family members an i dont think they believe me. I have no clue as to what this is, i feel like maybe a strange phenomenon or evil soul doing this. Any one else ever feel like there pillow is alive?
Sep 18, 2014
 feels like my pillow is moving NEW
by: Anonymous

I can be laying in bed awake or asleep an my pillow moves against my ear like something is alive in my pillow. Ive tryed changing pillows an it still happens with different pillows, i feel like maybe im going nuts, ive told family members an i dont think they believe me. I have no clue as to what this is, i feel like maybe a strange phenomenon or evil soul doing this. Any one else ever feel like there pillow is alive?
Sep 25, 2014
 head pains NEW
by: Anonymous

i get painfull head pains it seems only when i go to sleep it wakes me up and i find my self holding my head in the morning my head feels nume on top.
Sep 25, 2014
 head pains NEW
by: Anonymous

i get painfull head pains it seems only when i go to sleep it wakes me up and i find my self holding my head in the morning my head feels nume on top.
Sep 25, 2014
 head pains NEW
by: Anonymous

i get painfull head pains it seems only when i go to sleep it wakes me up and i find my self holding my head in the morning my head feels nume on top.
Dec 30, 2014
 Upper Neck Muscle Tightening NEW
by: Anonymous

You people....try massaging your neck muscles when you lie down for a few minutes before actually trying to sleep.

You all have upper neck muscle problems.

Not space aliens from the sleep dimension or satan or whatever.
Jan 05, 2015
 It is my neck NEW
by: Anonymous

So I have to 'get up' in 5 hours...I tried massaging the back of my neck and the pain is gone. But it comes back if I stop massaging it while lying down. I almost wonder if what I am facing is bad sleeping position. Lately I've been waking up with sprained necks. I haven't had this problem much since I was little. On another note, does anyone else scream randomly in their sleep? I seem to have a habit of screaming at 2 am even if I fall asleep just 10 minutes prior. Is this normal?
Jan 10, 2015
 Support NEW
by: Wes

I've had this happen too...I have to say I feel better now I'm not the only one...I thought I was all alone...it's been a while since it happened to me (I think mine was from drinking)...are there other causes?
Jan 27, 2015
 Sensation inside my head NEW
by: Andrew

Thank God! I'm not alone in this.

I've also been having these experiences since I was a child. The feeling of my something expanding inside my head and also the sound of vibrations of some sort while in sleep paralysis. Usually my mind falls into a state of fear which keeps me from waking up from time to time no matter how hard I try.

I am now 26 years old and it has come to the point where now I can activate that feeling while I'm awake.

I don't know if its good or bad, but if anyone has any information please contact me on email: andrewlesa88@gmail.com
Jan 28, 2015
 worried mom NEW
by: vee

I'm 26 and I had sleep p.many times but recently I been feeling great pressure in the back of my head .but I'm fine when I wake up .I thought I was going to die it was that bad .it has happened before but not this bad I also heard a buzzing sound and my hearing got low.I'm wortriaried recently had my first child I was so scared I may not wake up .can someone tell me what is going on
Feb 01, 2015
 Marihuana ???? NEW
by: Nicola

Dennis I'm sorry but if your suggesting marihuana will help then your an idiot. That stuff kills your brain cells and cause even more hallucinating sensations.
I don't get the feeling of being trapped in my body but I do suffer from Hypnic jerk a lot which is also terrifying. Just as your about to sleep you got a shock through your brain and body which makes you jump up. Sometimes it makes you feel like your going to sleep and not wake up.
Jul 07, 2015
 scared NEW
by: Dave md

it only happens once in a while but I get the pulsating sound in my brain I can watch tv it feels like but I can't move at all and I'll wake up after I calm myself down but it's 5 am now just had another episode and the vibrations feel like they hurt when I'm sleepin but when I wake up I feel no pain I would tell my wife all the time she just blew it off until it kept happening so she showed me this site I'm glad that I'm not the only one cuz I didn't no what was happening
Jul 22, 2015
 OMG NEW
by: Anonymous

when this happens to me i get a really bad headache and i hear this loud noise and its like a mix of buzzing and vibrating it happens either while im falling asleep or waking up and while its happening i feel like im awake but not because i'll try to get up but then i cant or i'll keep dosing off and waking back up for what feels like a super long time but when i actually wake up my nap was only like 30 mins. this freaks me out!!
Aug 08, 2015
 same problem NEW
by: sagar

please help me if you've some suggestion or solution
iamsagar275@gmail.com
Aug 11, 2015
 magic NEW
by: Anonymous

Wow, i was trying to find words to describe the sensation and what i found here was what i was looking for. Yes, I've had the feeling of growing pressure, not being able to wake up. In fact, as someone already stated above,i wake up and doze off again a dozen times. It feels like your brain alone is alive and...free-falling.

But quite unordinary i find myself enjoying the experience. Even when i feel a buzzling deafening pitch through my ears i try not to wake up, because the sensation of drunk dizziness is quite distressing and... magical for me. Am i alone?

The weirdest factor of these dreams is the state of consciousness you find yourself in. You are not totally conscious, but it feels so real. And there's a point where you choose whether to wake up or stay asleep. I don't know. It is really rare.

Aug 12, 2015
 Pleasure NEW
by: Jank

I have been able to find pleasure from this experience from time to time. But usually is scares the crap out me. I have found that it is mostly mind over matter for me at how I feel about it.
Sep 02, 2015
 wow NEW
by: MattO

Once again, I'm someone who's at least a little relieved that I'm not the only one this has happened to. I mean it's bittersweet, because it's scary and it makes me think I have a brain tumor or something and I don't wish it on anyone else.

In my experience, it always happened when I desperately wanted to fall asleep, almost like I was forcing myself asleep. Usually my brain will kick off a specific sequence of dreams whenever this happens: it starts off with me traveling down an orange and yellow striped tube (I honestly can't say I've felt a falling feeling, but this is pretty eerily close...)then I start to feel a pressure build in the middle of my brain, like my skull is going to explode or something. If I fight past that pain for a few more seconds, I always get to the same point where I start dreaming of sitting on an unfamiliar bed in a pitch black room, not being able to see or hear anything, having a secondary sensation that there are these monstrous figures standing right at the edge of my bed in the complete darkness (i.e., I can't see them or hear them, but I just "know" they're there. Idk that sounds weird to type.) Usually right as soon as I get this "I'm not alone in this f***ing creepy and unfamiliar room" feeling, I get to scared to keep going.

It hasn't happened to me in what feels like a long time. Now that I'm older and a little weirder, I actually want to have one more experience like this, just to see how far I can get before I wake up. I mean, worst case scenario, I have an aneurysm. Best case scenario, I have a totally sweet experience overcoming, arguably, one of the scariest feelings of my life.

Anywho, those of you who suggested sleep paralysis, I'd be willing to bet, are half right. I think it's more along the lines of sleep terrors than anything. Whatever it is, though, at least we all have one interesting story to tell.
Sep 05, 2015
 Buzzing sensation in brain NEW
by: Nurul

About 4 months ago i had experienced it for the first time.. I thought i was having a brain stroke so i had a huge panic attack aswell .. But i woke up and had no issue ..since last 2 weeks i am experiencing similar problem
every single night , addition to the buzzing sensation i also feel i am dreaming while being fuly awake .while having this sensation sometimes i try to crawl to the door and when i finally break the paralysis i realize i didnt move at all .. It was just a dream while a part of my brain fully awake .. Honestly i am scared and dont know what to do ., i am either going crazy or going to die..

I work at night so i dont sleep at proper time and my sleep
Pattern is really bad . Also i dont eat properly .. So i know i am slowly killing myself .. I will go visit a doctor tommorrow .. I have a feeling he is gona give me sleeping pill .. If i find any name for this disease .. I will let u guys know.
Sep 17, 2015
 heavy weight feeling in my head NEW
by: Anonymous

I get weird feeling in my head once I go to sleep ,like a weight pulling my head into the pillow,but when I'm awake and up it feels as the pressure goes away,but comes night time it starts again and it scares me going to sleep again as if I'm gonna die anytime.
Sep 17, 2015
 heavy weight feeling in my head NEW
by: Anonymous

I get weird feeling in my head once I go to sleep ,like a weight pulling my head into the pillow,but when I'm awake and up it feels as the pressure goes away,but comes night time it starts again and it scares me going to sleep again as if I'm gonna die anytime.
Sep 27, 2015
 Ouchhh NEW
by: Anonymous

Before I only used to experience this when I get out of bed to quickly, I'd feel dizzy and my head would just hurt. But now the sensation has been more frequent, but it's still when I wake up. Recently I haven't been getting a lot of sleep so that might be part of the reason, but it's still scary. When I think I get enough sleep, my head feels like someone is pushing on the side of my head and I kinda feel like throwing up.

I'm just glad to know that there are other people who are familiar with this situation. I don't feel so alone anymore
Oct 07, 2015
 Me too NEW
by: This girl

So like these days I've been having really weird dreams and sometimes I dream about things dropping on my head or someone pushing the back of my head and it hurts and when I wake up the sensation is still there D：
Oct 07, 2015
 common NEW
by: AnonymousK

i get this all the time, its very often for me ive learned to accept it and i just let it happen now and will fall asleep where as before i would wake myself up or shake my head, it is a symptom of sleep paralysis. It can be more severe and put you in a paralyzed state which ive had before and for some reason you can feel a demonic pretense in the room and sometimes see very horrible images, im not religious at all but that would be the best way to explain it, to conclude this is normal dont stress yourself out, I also suffer with bad anxiety so its all a process of accepting and teaching yourself tools to not panic. I hope i could help.
Nov 01, 2015
 Feels like my brain is squeezing and going to die or........ NEW
by: alok

Same problem as other friend or brothers or sisters.
Plz somebody write the cause for this deadliest,fearest
Experience
Nov 01, 2015
 Feels like my brain is squeezing and going to die or........ NEW
by: alok

Same problem as other friend or brothers or sisters.
Plz somebody write the cause for this deadliest,fearest
Experience
Nov 28, 2015
 Shake my head and it's gone. NEW
by: Paul

Hi everyone. Great to know I'm not alone in this. Not sure how to describe this but I'll do my best. Been suffering this so called paralysis for about 4 years. I'm 45 years old and all of this seemed to happen ever since I changed my pillow to "my Pilliw" (brand of pillow) at first, it felt like tingles or even like a cold liquid was flowing. It wasn't painful. Felt relaxing actually as I let it continue happening. After about 3-6 maths of this, I began feeling pain like symptoms that occurred when I changed my brain thinking. Ie.. Thinking of my job duty or replaying my day in my head and as soon as I thought of a new thought, the frequency pattern in my head would change and cause me to have an episode of numbness, pain and pressure all combined together. This would stop immediately as soon as I shook my head. It would all disappear.
This is Soo hard to explain. I have tried explaining what I wrote to a Dr but nobody seems to understand. I don't blame them.
Maybe my episode that happens is due to neck problems. I most likely need a massage and am always putting it off.
So back to my episode. It keeps me awake most of the night. It happens more often in smaller, less powerful hits to the brain. When a big one actually does come, I jump outta bed holding my head, opening eyes, knowing what's going on around me but I know I'm semi paralyzed for that split second. As soon as I shake my head, I'm back to normal. All this happens in a period of a few seconds.
Once I have the big episode, I feel that section of brain recovering or in a minor headache state. It scares me and I think sometimes I'm going to die. I really don't know what to do anymore. Any help or further discussions on this topic is more than welcome privately as well. Panemaelectric@gmail.com

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Any thoughts, comments or responses would be greatly appreciated.

Paul
Dec 09, 2015
 Since I was 15 NEW
by: Anonymous

I first experienced sleep paralysis when I was 13 on a long road trip. I woke up suddenly and although i was awake and my eyes were open I just couldn't move or talk. This has been happening less frequently over the years. Now I'm 29. However, I also learned how to tell when sleep paralysis was coming. I would feel the heaviness you all speak of in the back of my head. My head would even shake from side to side on its own like for example, when someone is having a nightmare and you see them start to toss and turn. I would feel this and get up and walk around. That would stop the paralysis from coming. My question is though, why does this happen to us?? Is it some sort of a disorder? Has anyone ever gotten any answers from a doctor?
Jan 13, 2016
 Buzzing and pain in head while sleepinh NEW
by: Anonymous

This has been happening to me since a was a small child I am 33 know the buzzing in my head only started a couple of years ago some times it feels like my head is going to explose but when I finally wake myself up the pain is gone. Thank god am not the only one it happens to thought I was going nuts.
Jan 24, 2016
 Sharp head pain when sleeping NEW
by: Clerk Kent

Been suffering from the flu but almost through it. Last few days I've been getting these really terrible head ache though. Weirdly enough, they only occur at the point of dropping off to sleep. This results in a feeling like a knife being pushed through my head and I wake up. I try to fall asleep again but the whole process just starts up again. It continues throughout the night.

Doctor says it's just a normal part of the flu but it's exhausting and I can't put up with it forever. All they give me is paracetamol which does nothing.

Any ideas?
Jan 24, 2016
 Sucks NEW
by: Tim

Just woke up from this. It truly sucks. My head feels like it's throbbing, the sound I hear is like an ultrasound when u hear a baby's heartbeat, and my brain literally feels like it's sizzleing. I'm aware it's happening and there's nothing I can do, can't move, can't talk.... Nothing. Once I force myself awake if I get up and stay awake I feel very dizzy and have to pee. I feel very disoriented and nervous for about 10 minutes. I go hug my kids fearing it may be the last time I get to. If I nod back off asleep and don't get up, the routine continues. Not sure what it is. It's happened before in my life, I don't drink or do drugs and I live a healthy lifestyle. Any answers would be greatly appreciated
tsteadman@socal.rr.com
Feb 18, 2016
 Head being pulled down NEW
by: Anonymous

Ok, soon to b 20 yrs, god this is getting on my nerves and scaring the daylights out of me. I pray that no one would have something like this but it is also releiving that there are actually ppl who hv this....my head, while i feel myself finally going into that dream world and into a blissful sleep i feel like as if my head, rather brain, is being pulled down going ''blop''...itz like therez a difference in pressure in my ears and brain(i have an ear cindition where i have to clean the excess wax omce every month and now just recently,i hv got phlegm)..god, kind of hard to put it into words...i am known for being stressed out and sometimes anxious(though in my concious mind i never thought my mind z stressed and anxious for it to act in this way..z t even possoble??? ) these passed few days(though a hater of coffee..hate it..never liked its taste but found a brand dat tasted ok so i tried it for a few days)and wahhmoo my nervous sys...smthing happened...cud b da coffee..cud b my stress..cud b both or smthing else...wahhh im scared...z dis normal? im not gonna die am i??? anyway, i hope u all get better...seing as dis z an old post, i guess u ppl mt b better....i feel drauned and lazy too..smtms sm objects and words i read seem to move a lil(?)...mayb tz just my imagination and worry dats making mwe feel dis way...z there anything dat i cn do?
Feb 20, 2016
 Scarrryyy weird head sensation NEW
by: Ginger

20 yrs old..freaked out...i had this teice happen last yr and now recently a few days ago too...it feels as if my head goes ''blob'' and my brain in diving inside or something...dragged down sometimes..god it freaked me out...i have even jumped to the conclusion that i have a tumor!!!!!! God, went to the doc and he have me medicine for sinusitis after asking whether i have headaches, which i don't and as far as i know i have no clogged noses orrr mucus dripping out of me...even he said that there was no phlegm in me but this was the final conclusion..and that is, that it must be sinusitis...i really hope its no tumor...i want an opinion...i just heard a sudden 'doh/thud' sound in my head also...god help me
Feb 24, 2016
 new documentary describes this NEW
by: Anonymous

Sleep paralysis and obe (out of body/ astral projection)
look up the documentary called the phase on youtube... interesting
Feb 26, 2016
 Sleep paralysis NEW
by: Justin

Actually had an episode last night as well... It's so scary to know you're awake and feel like something is holding you down and your body is unresponsive to what you are trying to tell it to do. Ugh these are the worst...! I'm only 22 and I've gotten this like two or three times now, afterwards when I am able to move I get a horrible headache that doesn't let me sleep to begin with and a feel nauseous. Anyone know scientific reasons for this occurance?
Apr 28, 2016
 Not uncommon NEW
by: Anton

I first of all i read most articles about similar disorders.
A lot of factors can contribute to this.

1. When you sleep deprived it can happen just getting in Bed a very little when your Brain goes in sleeping mode you would sometime see a bright light and your instant thought is your falling of the Bed and you would severely shake for a moment.
It is not uncommon and happens to a lot off People with different sensations.
2. REM Sleep. Rapid Eye movement Sleep. This is when you are in a Deep Sleep You are Dreaming and you telling yourself you want to get up or are under severe belief you did get up and now your Brain is in a belief you are either paralyzed and you cannot move or get the blankets of and the more you panic the woreser the sensation feel. You have Two Brain Lobes. One that makes you believe you are awake and One that makes you fast asleep. I heard of some People saying a Ghost are Pinning them to Bed that is not true.It can happen to anyone and is very common.You need to get enough Sleep as this could attribute or make it worse.Taking some sedatives could make it also worse but not enough to panic. Please this is no Disorder and if your Head is Paining and have Neck spasm and you are wide awake and it persist see a Doctor.Remember the Brain is a very Power full Organ and whilst Sleeping can make you Dream the most dread full things.Hopes this help.Many regards.
Aug 22, 2016
 Headache NEW
by: alex

I been never been sleep for almost 7 hours i been other place and i have done may lunch 3:00 pm
when i was going to sleep 5:00 pm i feel strong head ache util i wake up until now i on duty in a call center could please give some advice leonbacaron27@gmail.com


Thank You God Bless You, And Have Good Health and Day Everyday!
Oct 03, 2016
 What is it? NEW
by: Anonymous

I just woke from an episode... I was calling out to my boyfriend screaming and pushing him right next to him saying help me but nothing happen. I finally free myself out until I felt like I was awake in my bed and it felt like it was daylight and I saw my cat messing around and got mad at her and told her to stop. Well as I was rubbing my legs on the bed she started to play with me..so..I thought...so I told her stop. It stop for 3 seconds and it continue to go but this time someone grabbing my toes and pulling them hard on and on.
I have this thing mostly every night and I can't take it anymore. I'm too scared to fall a sleep again and I just watch tv until it's morning again. What should I do...
Oct 18, 2016
 Happens to me also NEW
by: Anonymous

I'm surprised this is so common, thought I was one of a few!. I'd like to go through my symptoms and would love to hear from someone if they have the same.
When I finally start to fall asleep it feels like a pressure crushing my head, not painful but extremely strange and uncomfortable! I then have a split second of feeling like I have no control over my body before i suddenly wake with a big gasp of air and jumping up in the bed. I used to get this when I was a teenager but only starting to get again? I'm 36 now. I was thinking it was like a heart attack or a brain tumor.... very frightening!

Simon
Oct 30, 2016
 Really scary and painful NEW
by: Tori

I used to get sleep paralysis a lot, but it would always hurt so much as if my organs were being squeezed and I would get so much pressure on my insides that made me feel like I was about to explode. I couldn't move my body or make any sounds even though on the inside I was calling out to whoever was around me, but I could open my eyes and slightly move my head from side to side which was an even bigger struggle because it always felt like someone was forcing my head to stay still. And every time I would try and move my body the pressure would get worse and worse until eventually I was able to snap out of it and it made me hate wanting to go to sleep. My boyfriend witnessed this once and told me my head kept moving weirdly and it felt like I was vibrating but he couldn't wake me. I had that for years and once I would get out of it all I had to do was get my earphones and play some slow music and I was able to go back to sleep, but recently it's turned into something else.

Now I get these episodes when I'm either trying to sleep or waking up from sleep and I suddenly get pressure on my head, again like someone is forcing it to stay down, but I'm able to move my body around a bit more and come out of it a bit faster, but that doesn't seem to make a difference. My head feels like it's moving more viciously this time and I hear weird noises that sound like voices which I don't really want to believe because that is so scary. My breathing is affected even when I try to stay calm which then affects my asthma whenever I actually get up. It still hurts because it feels like my brain is being squished and there is a growing sharp pain in my chest and the more I try to move the more painful it is. I just got out of one now which is why I finally decided to google it and see if it was something serious because I always feel like I'm going to die if I let it carry on or if I try to hard to get out of it. I'm not sleep deprived because I don't have a job anymore since I recently quit to take some time off to myself so I spend all my time at home. I wouldn't say I get stressed because there's nothing for me to really stress about. I have no idea why this keep happening. It's always been very random and I already have actual health problems which is why this scares me because what if I actually die from it? I did read on here that it's nothing to worry about and it's normal but no one else seems to be experiencing it as painfully as I do so I really hope this isn't something fatal. I know some of my descriptions may sound a little extra but I really don't know how to properly explain what I feel. I'm 21 and this started when I was about 14 or 15. If anyone has any advice or answers for me please email me @ cass.d.black@hotmail.co.uk
Nov 12, 2016
 Tori my friend NEW
by: Anonymous

Soo, my english sucks, but we're on the same sittuation Tori, the only difference i see is in my brain, i fell like it would explode and hurts soo much, i even can feel my eyes shaking and when i wake up i feel a imense pain in my brain.
Every time i think i gonna die of something and i know is scary but, Hey, i'm here right ?
I'm also 21 live in Brasil and i'm happy as fuck, i don't know your name, but, Tori, don't panic, maybe is not normal but you're not alone my friend and probably there's more with the same kind of sittuation. I hope we both find our answers.

-- Ronan F.
Dec 16, 2016
 Weird sensation NEW
by: Ruud

For about 2 years I have a weird sensation in my left temple when trying to go to sleep of my right side. A gurgling sort of feeling as in my veins. My right side happens to be my favorite side to sleep on. In my case there are 2 ways to combat this: (1) turn and sleep on my left side and (2) place a weight (e.g. a small wheat-bag) on my temple.
Dec 16, 2016
 Weird sensation NEW
by: Ruud

For about 2 years I have a weird sensation in my left temple when trying to go to sleep of my right side. A gurgling sort of feeling as in my veins. My right side happens to be my favorite side to sleep on. In my case there are 2 ways to combat this: (1) turn and sleep on my left side and (2) place a weight (e.g. a small wheat-bag) on my temple.
Dec 26, 2016
 gamma waves NEW
by: Anonymous

That sensation of feeling your brain?

It's called gamma waves. Your brain enters a state where it emmits gamma waves.

Fot all that are experiancing this sensation while in sleep paralysis state, how has the law of attraction worked out for you?

Remember, it's not the process that you should worry about. It's the product.

Sliding into gamma state subconciously is common. But acquiring in consciously? Very rare indeed.


Jan 02, 2017
 Sleep paralysis NEW
by: Rafi Surosh

It has been seven years I suffer the exact maybe serious than all of u but could finish my medical facult despite that problem. It happens when I stay late and study in the night ....
Jan 07, 2017
 Unbelievable! NEW
by: Anonymous

I am so "happy?" to finally find the right search words so that this site came up and I found people who have it the same way as me.

My story:
I started getting real bad headaches that prevented me from getting any sleep. Had nerve checks, MR of head but to no avail. Concluded with tension headaches, and it probably was, but I couldn't sleep so i got codeine pills, that converts to morphine in your liver, and I should've never taken that, because from that moment and to this day I felt like I was hovering over the bed(just that one time), and shock waves coming from somewhere in the back of my head where the neck stops and forward and to my eyes, and it's so horrible that i gasp and wake myself up. It's right at that point where your body is asleep, but your mind is apparantly still awake. This switched to being like a stabbing feeling in the chest, and then gasping and I had to repeat this like 8 times before I finally could sleep. Now it's like a little ball of pressure starts in the middle of my head at eye level and if I keep my eyes closed the pressure builds up to the point that I'm scared my head will explode if I don't shae myself awake and focus myself on a spot on the wall or something. I can still feel the pressure in my head now, I feel funny, and it only happens on occasions where I've stayed awake for very long over serveral days. The shock waves comes and goes as it pleases. But seriously. What is this? I'm female, 23, got it at 22, live in Norway, and have a anxiety disorder which I am in "remission" for. I just concluded with being so scared of falling asleep and not waking up that my body actually created something to wake myself up from. But I am not scared anymore and I just want some god damn sleep without feeling like there's a weight in my head and that damn pressure and those damn shock waves. I've mentioned it to two psychiatrists, two doctors, my parents, my grandma and they all just say "We don't always get the answer to why, but we just know that it's not dangerous." Well. it feels like my head is going to explode from the inside out if I don't shake myself awake and start over until I'm exhausted.
Jan 18, 2017
 OMG!!! NEW
by: Heart

so many ppl lyk me??!!! I m really shocked!!
but,,guys,,how can we avoid this situation?? its very much irritating :(

sumtimes it feels like I m dying!! :(
Jan 28, 2017
 TODAY NEW
by: Anonymous

today I come for help!!! This morning it felt like some took their two palms and pressed my body down forcing my body to squeeze from my head. it felt stronger than a sleep paralysis.... It is very rare I get a few within the same month. Yes I have had many where my body is sleep but my brain is awake and your dream gets quiet then BAM!!! it happens...sometimes my dreams are frightening and sometimes my body uses sleep paralysis to calm me down during a flight or fight response due to my nightmare. One dream I was in front of my deceased grandmothers door and my body wanted to wake up but my brain did and started the sleep paralysis. my advice is two things.One, either let it happen, or wake up before it happens. If you did let it happen, you will wake up exhausted. The best advice to that would be drink coffee, or meditate (in case it was a nightmare) then go back to sleep
It isn't harmful when getting sleep paralysis, but without proper support like from you all, it can be quite alarming.
join my facebook page called Cage the Anxiety
https://www.facebook.com/Cage-The-Anxiety-1116622998444691/

my real facebook page is
https://www.facebook.com/RileyBalenciaga

Thank you
Feb 05, 2017
 Feel the same NEW
by: Chris

Just had a episode right now, I've had these episodes since I was a teenager and never told anyone accept my fiance tonight. Just like a few of you in a weird kind of way it's feels good then I let it go to long and it gets more and more intense almost as if I'm not going to wake back up, this episode I got really scared and tried calling my fiances name but had no control could not even move. This really makes me feel better that Im not the only one...
Mar 09, 2017
 feeling something similar NEW
by: Anonymous

When I was very young I experienced a trauma that I don't remember but I dreamt about it until I was about 21, once the occurrence was explained to me I never dreamt of it again, instead it was replaced with this feeling. I am now 31 and for the last 10 years I have experienced sleep in the exact same way every single night. I start to dream before I am asleep but when I start to fall into a deeper sleep my dream clarity starts to become darker, almost like the fading in and out of scenes from a movie and my dream will take a turn for the worst. My head will start to feel like it's being squeezed. It scares me and I have to jolt myself awake. This happens nightly, sometimes only a few times and sometimes 6 or 7 times until early hours of the morning. The only way I can stop it from happening is if I put my daughter in my bed with me or stay awake until I can't keep my eyes open any longer. I'm going crazy!
Jun 09, 2017
 Just started getting the head pain NEW
by: Anonymous

I have suffered with sleep problems for many years but thankfully not to the extent that affects my life or is dangerous in any way.

I have had that 'terrible feeling' when falling asleep that something bad is happening, like I am about to die, I can hear my heart beat increasing and a whooshing in my ears. I have to jolt myself out of it and have to turn over otherwise it just keeps happening.

I have also had sleep paralysis. I wake up but can't move despite being fully aware. Again, a jolt normally does the trick.

Sometimes I can see my dreams playing in my head before I drop off.

Here's a new one though that's been happing over the past few nights. It's as though I am dragged into sleep before I am ready. I wake up with a sharp intake of breath and a sort of fuzzy pain in my head which goes within a few seconds followed by numbing of my arms and legs and an unsettled feeling in my stomach. Unfortunately, turning over does not stop it. It happened about five times last night before I finally slept properly.
Sep 05, 2017
 should i go to the doctor? NEW
by: Anonymous

i've had this several times for the past year and a half. i've never talked to my doctor about mental illness, so i've never been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. i'm only 15 years old, should i go to the doctor?
Sep 05, 2017
 Don't worry. NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi Anonymous

Don't worry. Just because you have sleep problems doesn't mean you have a mental illness. If you think you do suffer from depression, then a visit to your doctor will help as it can be controlled
Sep 05, 2017
 In reply to my own post June 09 2017 NEW
by: Anonymous

Because I am a light sleeper, I quite often use ear plugs or sometimes just tissue stuffed in my ears. Four nights ago, I decided to ditch the ear plugs and the head pains and gasping for breath has stopped. This might just be a coincidence though.
Oct 09, 2017
 Scary NEW
by: Anonymous

So I tried to read as many comments as I could b4 I started getting a headache. Im not sure if I have the same thing. I do feel a pressure like a pushing or "pooling" of my brain..I know that sounds ridiculous but I cant decribe it any other way. I dont think Im completely sleeping but I do know when it occurs I cant move. I cant lift my head off the pillow. I have to wait til the feeling passes. Its very scary and has happened now a number of times. Trying to find some answers :(
Dec 28, 2017
 Nightmare like head pressure NEW
by: Daniel

Hello im 26 years old. I had this weird i called nightmare like head pressure..its happening when i lay my head in my arms or in a hard thing when im sleeping..then it feels like my head is being squeezed while a rush of "vibration like" in my head is ruuning from my neck to the center top of my head and the sensation in that place is like someones thumb is pushing it down...its not painful but whenever that happens im afraid that it feels like the veins in my head will explode or something..and also it takes about 4 to 5 squeeze with an intervals of 2 to 3 seconds before i wake up from it...and when it happens my heart is pounding fast too....i have a history of panic attack 5 years ago but i think im ok now with that panic attack...this thing is the only problem i had i think its connected? And i get my panic attack from overusing marijuana and im also its been 5 years i quit smoking since i have panic attack until now...
Dec 28, 2017
 To anon Oct 09 2017 NEW
by: Anonymous

When we sleep we need to be paralysed to stop us acting out our dreams. When that goes out of sync, we sometimes wake up before we are able to move. I used to get it a lot when I was a bit younger but not had it for years now.
Dec 29, 2017
 Excruciating headaches while sleep NEW
by: Anonymous

How can I stop these headaches please help
Jan 03, 2018
 Pain NEW
by: Anonymous

When just falling a sleep I get a pain like electrie shock for 1sec what is the causce
Jan 04, 2018
 Any answers NEW
by: Anonymous

Perhaps someone could explain this site. There are plenty of questions but no answers. Tbh, I have not explored the whole site yet, (maybe that's what I need to do) but are there no experts out there willing to give advice?

Thank you.
Jan 15, 2018
 Progress NEW
by: Anonymous

Ok, so there doesn't appear to be any answers or suggestions so here's something I have discovered:

Here's my previous post:

Here's a new one though that's been happing over the past few nights. It's as though I am dragged into sleep before I am ready. I wake up with a sharp intake of breath and a sort of fuzzy pain in my head which goes within a few seconds followed by numbing of my arms and legs and an unsettled feeling in my stomach. Unfortunately, turning over does not stop it. It happened about five times last night before I finally slept properly.

I have discovered that raising my pillow slightly by placing a folded beach towel under it has helped. Been doing this for a week now and it hasn't happened.

Hopefully, this post might help someone.


Mar 13, 2018
 Feels like my pillow is moving NEW
by: Cheryl

This has started happening to me. It does feel like an animal or something is inside of my pillow and it moves when I lay my head down. Not sure what it is
Apr 16, 2018
 Possible answer NEW
by: Anonymous

I asked my psychology teacher about this, because i have experienced the same thing, and she said it may be because the brain is in something called a hypnogogic state which is the transition of wakefulness to sleep and includes signs like hearing faint or loud noises or even hearing their own thoughts at the time and more commonly seeing random speckles, lines or geometrical patterns and she said it could be caused by some part of the brain keeping you awake. hope this helps.
Aug 28, 2018
 When I lay still it occurs NEW
by: Curious Young Dude

If I lay completely still and slowly breathe for a long period of time, i eventually feel the throbbing throughout my body. I could feel my toes becoming stiffer and a I panic and jump out of it. I think it’s because I am jumping straight to REM sleep. It is also when I begin to see vivid images in my brain, like a lucid dream. I want to continue laying like that to enter the lucid dream in a stable state, but I’m scared about sleep paralysis.
Jan 19, 2019
 Same problem here
by: Andrew

It all started when I did a drastic change to my diet. After running for about 6 km for 5 consecutive days I began to feel bloating in my stomach. A couple of days went by and I felt the same sensations as mentioned by others in my head coupled with ringing in mostly right ear.

I used to neglect my sleeping patterns and have no regular sleeping. This is all because I would stay up late till morning surfing the Internet and playing video games without giving myself a break.

I also would sleep in a room where my Wi-Fi router was kept on on a daily basis. I later learned that Wi-Fi radiation while sleeping may interfere with your sleep. I strongly believe that it is to some extend to blame for my current condition. So, I completely shut down all devices emitting Wi-Fi signals before going to bed. I think it helped a lot for a while, or at least it cleared my doubts.


Recently I have been worrying a lot about any peculiar sign I notice in my body and think of it as an early symptoms of a disease. This worrisome thoughts have exacerbated my problems and depression.

Now whenever I'm about to fall asleep I feel like something in my head is pulling my brain down (blood being pumped to my head excessively?) and takes me to an episode of paralysis of brain. This happens at random not at all nights, and exactly at the time I am on the verge of falling asleep. I then have no choice but to open my eyes, move my head around, and get out of bed.

During the day if I start walking around this pulsing sensation begins to grow in my head until I sit down or lay down.

My understanding is that depression, stress, negative self-talk, sedentary lifestyle, excessive ejaculation, and eating late can be major contributing factors.

I've also learned that meditation, praying, avoiding arguments with others, fixing your posture, including all the necessary nutrients in your diet and smiling could of great help.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated. (practiceieltsnow@gmail.com)

May 14, 2019
 What ever NEW
by: alcor

I'm bit late but, let me join to the topic. My case is bit different, i also experience this kind of thing when i go to sleep i feel my head like expanding back and forth and i also see someone in my haft sleep state and it's feels like suppresing me and it's suffocating feeling and i feel my middle part of my body having a sphere rotating endless I'm 21 right now and i experience it for almost 15 yrs until now. i feel numb about this case hays but the crux problem is, i like it. Weird isn't it?
Jun 06, 2019
 I know! NEW
by: Paolo

Hey guys I had this thing for a year now.. And from what I understand for me it's acid reflux and tension in the neck... This only happens when I'm on some kind of medicine like antibiotics or when I'm home and don't do anything to consume all my energy... I was diagnosed with a straight neck and acid reflux that seems that goes hand in hand.. Anyways don't worry you are not sick this happens only when you are stressed out so do a lot of movement try not to watch TV or the computer or smartphone before going to bed as it ruins your sleep... Hope it helps
Aug 13, 2019
 New NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi everyone, I’ve experienced the same pressure in my head when trying to go to sleep. It seems to build up and then gets too intense for me and ultimately ends up waking me up in a panic and I’m not able to go back to sleep. I’m 21 years old and I’ve never done a drug in my life and I also don’t drink so even though those things could be the reason why someone might be experiencing it, it can also be completely unrelated. I was having this issues for awhile as well as severe anxiety so I went to a holistic doctor who did blood tests and a hair test that showed I was very deprived in certain vitamins and that I was anemic. He gave me some vitamins to take as well as iron and after awhile since vitamins have to build up I was starting to feel better. I then went to a primary doctor who tested my levels again and told me to continue taking vitamins but to stop the iron since I didn’t need it anymore. However, I haven’t been sleeping again recently and having the same pressure as well as anxiety and fatigue. I believe my body doesn’t absorb vitamins from food properly and that’s why I’m experiencing this. I’m going back to my doctor soon to see if I need iron again and maybe a higher dose of vitamins. I advise that anyone experiencing this pressure should try getting there levels checked and I suggest going to a holistic doctor since they look at the charts differently than a regular one. But be carful and do your research on anything a doctor wants to give you. Always look up the symptoms before taking. I always try to go naturally but sometimes even natural stuff can give you a bad reaction. Hope this helps a bit :)
Jun 04, 2021
 it hurts NEW
by: Anonymous

like my brain hurts sometime when i dont sleep in afternoon but you all are my friends :) pls help me :)
Sep 12, 2022
 Cervical Vertigo NEW
by: Anonymous

I know this is an old thread but I'm currently having sleep issues with pain, dizziness and hypnic jerks.
I've done wakeful experimentation and found that the issues are related to my neck. I've had BPPV since I was a child and only now has it gotten worse due to neck issues.
My advise is go to a doctor to rule out any serious issues, However drinking green tea and Calm's Forte also helps me.

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Welcome! This site is continuously being created by students of Dr. William C. Dement's Sleep And Dreams course at Stanford University.

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