home
RSS
1 in 7 suffer from sleep 'drunkenness'
August 25th, 2014
05:51 PM ET

1 in 7 suffer from sleep 'drunkenness'

Have you ever answered the phone in the morning to discover it was actually your alarm clock going off, or had a conversation in the middle of the night and woken up the next day with no recollection of it?

A new study suggests you are not alone. Researchers found many of us have had a similar experience in our lifetime.

The study, out Monday in the journal Neurology, says one in every seven people suffer from sleep "drunkenness" disorder, also called confusional arousal.

Confusional arousal is when a person wakes up and remains in a confused state for a certain period of time before either going back to sleep or fully waking up.

These episodes typically happen, according to the National Institutes of Health, when someone is awakened during non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a deeper sleep period. And they're usually triggered by a forced awakening, like an alarm or phone call.

The study authors had more than 19,000 adults fill out a survey about their sleeping habits. They found 15.2% of the participants experienced one episode of confusional arousal during the past year.

Dr. Maurice Ohayon, lead study author and a sleep expert at Stanford University, was surprised by the substantial percentage. When he looked carefully, he says, he found over half of these participants have "confusional arousal one time or more a week, and that is considerable."

What's even more interesting, says Ohayon, is how long confusional arousal seems to last. While more than one third of the participants who experienced episodes once a week reported they lasted under 5 minutes, 32.3% of people said their episodes lasted between 5 and 15 minutes and 30% of people experienced episodes lasting 15 minutes or more.

If someone is experiencing these episodes, they need to let their doctors know, says Ohayon. An episode can cause violent behavior during sleep, according to the study.

"You can hurt yourself physically, hurt someone (else). You wake up irritable and possibly violent." He compares it to waking up in a hotel room - you don't know where you are or what hour it is, so your reaction or responses to the environment are not adapted.

Ohayon says shift workers, such as doctors or pilots, who nap during work and can be awakened suddenly, should block at least 15 minutes of time for their bodies to truly wake up before, say, taking command of a plane or making life-or-death decisions.

The study found that 84% of those with sleep drunkenness disorder also had another sleep disorder, a mental health disorder or were taking psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants. Less than 1% of the people with sleep drunkenness had no known cause or related condition.

Dr. David Alexander Schulman, director of the sleep lab at Emory University in Atlanta, says having these episodes isn't uncommon. "Fifteen percent sounds shocking," but when you think about it, most of us have had these type experiences.

One of the things that can make confusion arousal worse is sleep deprivation. Schulman says it's well known that American's don't sleep enough. "If you are getting less than 6 hours a night, and you are having confusional arousal, then the first thing you need to do is try getting more sleep," he says.

Schulman was skeptical of the number of participants whose episodes lasted more than 15 minutes. While he says these episodes can be common and often funny, most people don't continue to talk into the phone for 15 minutes when their alarm clock is going off.

"I'd be surprised if the episode lasted more than 15 minutes," he said. "That's one of the struggles with a subjective survey."


soundoff (3,682 Responses)
  1. John Fenner

    What's up all, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience, so it's fastidious to read this webpage, and I used to go to see this webpage every day.

    May 31, 2021 at 08:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. CrulkAsd

    buycialis cialis onine viagra cialis samples

    May 31, 2021 at 08:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Pearlene Traylor

    Good blog post. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!

    May 31, 2021 at 08:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Adrienne Easton

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

    May 31, 2021 at 08:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Belle Holton

    I read this paragraph fully regarding the difference of most up-to-date and earlier technologies, it's awesome article.

    May 31, 2021 at 11:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Werner Stonge

    Loans at Improve can get as low as $1,000.

    May 31, 2021 at 11:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Brigida Ferrier

    I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    May 31, 2021 at 11:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. MileSwa

    cialis free trial generic cialis 200 mg on line cialis

    May 31, 2021 at 12:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Raina Stamps

    Wonderful, what a web site it is! This website provides useful facts to us, keep it up.

    May 31, 2021 at 13:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Odell Trahan

    Hello there, I discovered your blog by means of Google even as looking for a related matter, your web site got here up, it seems to be good. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, simply changed into alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful should you continue this in future. Numerous people might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

    May 31, 2021 at 13:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Yukiko Porter

    Getting a money advance from a bank card.

    May 31, 2021 at 13:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Rosa Luse

    I've read some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you place to create such a fantastic informative website.

    May 31, 2021 at 14:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Otilia Otto

    I'm not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I'll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    May 31, 2021 at 15:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Harriett Ormond

    I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents and also with the structure in your weblog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to look a great blog like this one these days..

    May 31, 2021 at 15:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. EncoxAni

    online generic pharmacy global pharmacy in canada all drugs issued under a prescription_______.

    May 31, 2021 at 16:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Rosalind Robinson

    Having read this I thought it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

    May 31, 2021 at 20:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Vernell Edens

    Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

    May 31, 2021 at 22:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Archer Maddox

    I visited many websites except the audio quality for audio songs present at this web page is in fact superb.

    May 31, 2021 at 23:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Agripina Colosimo

    This was awesome! I would like you to clean up all this spam though

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufhanafy

    June 1, 2021 at 00:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Etsuko Cutlack

    Generally I don't learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice article.

    June 1, 2021 at 01:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Margareta Mace

    At this time it sounds like Drupal is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your blog?

    June 1, 2021 at 02:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Zisseloh

    cialis with dapoxetine overnight delivery australia cialis prescription online what are the side effects of viagra and cialis

    June 1, 2021 at 02:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Flora Tabarez

    Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent idea

    June 1, 2021 at 03:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Elton Kinross

    Gambling is a popular pastime for most Americans. Countless Americans enjoy gaming online or over the race tracks. Americans enjoy gaming because they enjoy winning and so they enjoy the challenge of gaming. It can be a fun outlet of energy and for most Americans it can replace unhealthy life styles and add excitement into their lives.

    So why do gamblers tend to get a long term advantage over other gamblers? Many gamblers are known to walk away from a match with more cash than they started off with. Some players may have bet a touch too much rather than need it work to their advantage. What can a person do to have a long term edge and make more money than they'd ever have gambled together if they had not found a way to be better player?

    Everything boils down to learning and skill more plans. Most gamblers will probably be familiar with a few of the very popular edges that players use to acquire. There are numerous different aspects which could affect a individual's ability to find those advantages and eventually become a long term winner. If a individual has lots of practical experience in a particular match plus they have been proficient in playing with a particular game then they will have a very noticeable advantage in comparison with someone who does not have experience in that match.

    June 1, 2021 at 03:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. IsaacJourf

    базы для хрумера 2019

    Вы занимаетесь продвижением сайтов? Тогда вам к нам. Наша группа в телеграмме. У нас вы можете выбрать любую нужную для вашей работы базу для прогонов Xrumer и GSA, allsubmitter по разной ценовой категории.успешные базы для хрумера
    базы для хрумера 2021

    June 1, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Elissa Rico

    You may send flowers easily to the residents of USA.

    June 1, 2021 at 04:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Santo Sievwright

    The term yeast"infection" could be a little misleading. The term infection is frequently used if there's an overgrowth of bacteria from your system. Together with yeast infections, however, there's likewise an overgrowth although instead of microorganisms such as a typical infection a yeast disease is an overgrowth of the normally occurring yeast infection within the body.

    June 1, 2021 at 04:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Marcus Service

    Fantastic blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I'm planning to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I'm completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!

    June 1, 2021 at 05:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Elijah Crayton

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

    June 1, 2021 at 05:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Chas Cadell

    Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share. Thank you!

    June 1, 2021 at 05:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Vada Redding

    Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

    June 1, 2021 at 05:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Rebecca Moses

    Hi My name is Rebecca.i just want to share my experience with the world on how i got my love back and saved my marriage… I was married for 7 years with 4 kids and we lived happily until things started getting ugly and we had a fights and arguments almost every time… it got worse at a point that he filed for divorce… I tried my best to make him change his mind & stay with me cause i loved him with all my heart and didn’t want to loose him but everything just didn’t work out… he moved out of the house and still went ahead to file for divorce… I pleaded and tried everything but still nothing worked. The breakthrough came when someone introduced me to this wonderful, great spell caster Dr Zuma, who eventually helped me out… I have never been a fan of things like this but just decided to try reluctantly cause I was desperate and left with no choice… He did special prayers and cast a love spell on him. Within 24hours he called me and was sorry for all the emotional trauma he had cost me, moved back to the house and we continue to live happily, the kids are happy too and we are expecting our fourth child… I have introduced him to a lot of couples with problems across the world and they have had good news… Just thought I should share my experience cause I strongly believe someone out there needs it… You can contact him on spiritualherbalisthealing@gmail.com whatsapp +15068001647

    June 1, 2021 at 06:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Gilberto Slim

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    June 1, 2021 at 06:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Gretchen Lempriere

    Hello there, You've done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they'll be benefited from this web site.

    June 1, 2021 at 07:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Rochelle Sherriff

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

    June 1, 2021 at 08:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Rick Nazario

    I'll right away grasp your rss as I can't in finding your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

    June 1, 2021 at 09:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Cynthia Spaull

    Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    June 1, 2021 at 12:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. disqus.com

    Quality articles or reviews is the important to be a focus for the people to pay
    a visit the website, that's what this website is providing.

    June 1, 2021 at 13:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Rubye Colangelo

    Thеrеfоrе bаd credit loans are nоt еаѕіlу obtained.

    June 1, 2021 at 14:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Bernardo Henderson

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

    June 1, 2021 at 15:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Bryaneflify

    You said it nicely.!
    https://topessaywritinglist.com/

    June 1, 2021 at 15:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Kazuko Casiano

    I like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the good works guys I've incorporated you guys to my blogroll.

    June 1, 2021 at 16:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Bryaneflify

    Regards, Ample info!
    https://topessaywritinglist.com/

    June 1, 2021 at 16:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Elida Igo

    Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for inexperienced blog writers? I'd definitely appreciate it.

    June 1, 2021 at 18:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Caren Butterfield

    I was able to find good information from your blog posts.

    June 1, 2021 at 19:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. EncoxDev

    reviews on canadian online pharmacy Tadacip hgh canada pharmacy

    June 1, 2021 at 19:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Lavon Drake

    Thanks for one's marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back someday. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice evening!

    June 1, 2021 at 20:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Gerardo Hartung

    The lender stories funds to the main credit score bureaus.

    June 1, 2021 at 20:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Olen Grenda

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about trisha henry – cnn medical producer. Regards

    June 1, 2021 at 20:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Jamison Morgan

    Terrific work! This is the kind of information that are meant to be shared across the internet. Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this post upper! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

    June 1, 2021 at 21:22 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

Leave a Reply to Claudette Auger


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.