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Why Do I Snap Out Of A Deep Sleep & Function Normally, As If A Switch Has Been Flicked?

by Rebecca
(S. Yorks, England)

I have a healthy sleep habit. I don't over sleep, and I'm not stressed or depressed. However i have this 'thing' that i do in my sleep, that has been the subject of a few conversations?!... I do experience the occasional night terror, twitching and incoherent talking, i have quite vivid and detailed dreams that i can recall in detail upon waking, but the bit that causes my fiance concern is my ability to snap out of a deep sleep and be fully alert/joking/active.


I'm not disturbed in the slightest by my partners snoring, or if he gets up to use the bathroom in the night, I'm completely oblivious. But if a word is whispered, I'm awake. It is literally like a switch has been flicked. Occasionally I'll experience my body trembling (once or twice tremors, depending on how deep a sleep I was in).

Example: I've fallen asleep reading, partner kisses me good night, I'm awake, respond, then will continue reading until I drift back off. If I have a bad dream I try to vocalise, which wakes my partner he'll whisper "sweetheart?" and my response is "am i doing it again? Sorry." Then I'm awake and have to work on drifting back off.

There is no hangover from sleep on these occasions (only in a morning, when I wake by the alarm)! I don't just fall to sleep either. I have to drift off. If I'm disturbed a few times when I'm drifting, then I'll not be able to sleep properly (I'll be agitated)...

I'm curious if this ability to wake, and function (it is a FULL awake state, my voice doesn't even sound sleepy) is normal. If so, what is the name of my little party trick?

Comments for Why Do I Snap Out Of A Deep Sleep & Function Normally, As If A Switch Has Been Flicked?

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Aug 14, 2017
 It may be natural NEW
by: Jackson

I sometimes do this too, but not as often as your case seems to be. In my experience, it is usually after a nightmare or if I somehow get jolted awake. I have sorta attributed the full functionality to the high levels of adrenaline that are consistently present. In your case, you may be producing the chemical because you are being jolted awake.

The 'easy to wake' factor may be a completely different situation. I know a person who will instantly wake at the slightest touch (face usually), but a lot of sound is needed to wake her. You say you are hypersinsitive to vocal sounds. Personaly, I do not wake easily to either. Maybe this is just one of those things that vary by person?

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