Blackouts - How Do You Know?

[sun seeker]

The one time, awhile back, I knew because that was the only way I could explain the broken bedroom door.

That would be disconcerting to say the least!

Ambien is kind of notorious for weird sleep behavior as a side affect.

Good to know. I'm not taking Ambien or any new medication.

I've never hurt myself doing it. We think I dissociate a nightmare and wander to find a safe place.ive done this my whole life.

Now I think about it, I used to sleep walk as a child. Haven't in many years - that I know of.

Here's another question though. Supposing I don't find a medical reason. How would I know it was happening at night? People can have blackouts during the day too, no? How would I know when it was happening? I guess putting things in front of the door that I would trip over would narrow it down. I'll try that tonight.

Or... maybe not things I'd trip over. That would lead to more bruises if I did trip! Umm... this is going to take some thought.

 

[sun seeker]

Got it: a large cushion. That would give me something soft to fall on, if I did trip over it.

 

[sun seeker]

If you sleep with your door closed, you can put something outside your door that you'd knock over if you opened the door.

I had to read this again before it got through to me that the point is to be able to tell in the morning whether I've been up in the night, not to wake me up by falling over the thing! Okay, got it. I can do that.

Then if nothing happens, either it isn't happening at night, or it's happening at night but I'm not sleepwalking, or... so many possibilities. Guess I have to start somewhere though.

Sorry guys, my thinking is slow right now.

 

[Ocean5]

Might sound kinda weird...but put up a motion sensor light, and then set your webcam with motion sensor to record at night. One program is called YawCam (free.) (if you are single that is...otherwise maybe serious relationship issues develop...)

 

[sun seeker]

Might sound kinda weird...but put up a motion sensor light, and then set your webcam with motion sensor to record at night

I'd need someone to talk me through how to do that, but theoretically, it sounds like a good plan. Thank you! Tonight I'll start by putting something in front of my door and go from there.

 

[sun seeker]

I've got it: tape across the doorway. That should do it, and I can put a new piece on each night until I figure this out. Took me a while to think of that. The door opens into the room so putting something in front of it wasn't going to work, and I want to leave it open for the cat.

 

[Ocean5]

I like idea tape across doorway so you can figure things out. Just so you don't get wrapped in it and fall....

Keep us posted. I either sleepwalk or dissociate. Interested in topic.

If you decide cam motion sensor later date I can get you through it. I've used in past for apartment hotel security when traveling.

 

[:-)]

Eh, you could film yourself while asleep, but I sort of nixed that suggestion when it was given to me, jut about right away.

Oh, just to add, I know that I have these abnormal sleep movements b/c I can't have anything heavy or restricting on my lower body when I sleep. My blankets are really light and fluffy. I can't wear pajamas on my legs (just boyshorts), and I can't wear socks. If there is anything too heavy on my legs, I wake up completely exhausted. Its maddening because its been like this for years, and you'd think I'd be able to remember this every night, but sometimes I forget. This is my "proof" that I do indeed move around a lot in my sleep. If I have anything on my body to fight against in my sleep, it simply exhausts me and I am more tired when I wake up than when I go to sleep.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I am concerned if you move your furniture or pillows around. If you are wandering, I think you're subconscious remembers the lay of the land. I like the idea of taping the door. I always keep my door open and considering something medical. Causing your bruises like too many platelets. In that case, your ankles would swell. How do those baby monitors work?
From working metaphysically, I now am aware of waking up, my bedsheets in a riot of twists. I see this as progress. I hope you don't have a medical problem, though.

 

[sun seeker]

I tried taping the door and the tape was still there when I woke up. I haven't yet looked for bruises. But then, I don't think this was a daily occurrence anyway, so it may take some time.

I don't have swollen ankles or any other sign of a medical problem, my diet is high in factors that would make blood clot normally, and I don't notice bruising when I do notice bumping myself, so whatever is happening must be from something pretty serious. Still a mystery.

 

[KwanYingirl]

@sun seeker are your bruises typical or do they look like broken capillaries? Are they just on your extremities or also your face and torso? If you press on them, does it hurt? If you press on your fingernails, do they blanch to white and then turn pink again when you release pressure?

 

[sun seeker]

are your bruises typical or do they look like broken capillaries

They look like normal bruises.

also your face and torso

Nope... just arms and legs.

If you press on them, does it hurt?

Yes... on the newer ones it does anyway.

There is one set of them that would fit with fingertips reaching across from the other side of my body... but would have to come from squeezing VERY hard. I have no memory of doing that.

If you press on your fingernails, do they blanch to white and then turn pink again

Sorry, couldn't tell you, my fingernails are painted. Actually it was reading your thread about painting your nails that prompted me!