I found myself talking to my loved one in sleep. Why?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

In the middle of my sleep, I feel like I have virtually talked to my close one. Suddenly, when I awake, I realize that he is not beside me. Why am I getting such feel?

Answered by Mehwish Mursaleen

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand what you are feeling after this strange situation where you found yourself talking to your loved one in the midst of the sleep and then you just woke up. This is quite a normal sleep phenomenon in most people and research shows that everyone can experience this condition at least once in life. But, generally, people do not share this with doctors due to fear of labeling themselves as mentally ill. The occurrence of mere hypnopompic hallucinations is nothing to worry about, however, if you find any other sleep-related problem then this is a matter of concern.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

There could be associated psychological conditions such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is explained by bouts of sleep at any time in the day, even a person may sleep at the workplace. This causes extreme disturbance and requires medical or psychological treatment.

Differential diagnosis

If hypnopompic hallucinations are the only thing you have experienced and no narcoleptic bouts are present, then this is the indication that you are going through a normal process of transitions during rapid eye movement sleep.

Probable diagnosis

Hypnopompic hallucinations (auditory type).

Treatment plan

There is no particular medical or psychological treatment for mere hypnopompic hallucinations. However, some doctors prescribe medicines to treat the disturbance that is anxiety caused by this condition. If you are fine with your hypnopompic hallucinations after learning that it is a normal thing, then you do not need any further treatment. If you find yourself worried about your condition, then you can just take a counseling session with a psychologist.

Preventive measures

I appreciate that you just noticed this phenomenon and consulted a specialist. If you find any other psychological factors such as narcolepsy, then this is the alarming point. Just get the problem treated as soon as possible without any hesitation or delay. Also, check if there is any other sleep-related problem present such as nightmare, sleep terror, narcolepsy, etc.

Answered byMehwish Mursaleen

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 4, 2016
Reviewed AtJune 19, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Mehwish Mursaleen
Mehwish Mursaleen

Psychologist/ Counselor

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