Constant Sleep Disruption and Nightly Hallucinations
I am a 28-year-old female weighing 72 kg. My current regimen includes 4 mg of melatonin and 30 mg of amitriptyline to manage tension headaches, along with iron supplements. My recent blood tests returned normal results, and while I lead an athletic lifestyle, I have a diagnosis of iliac artery endofibrosis, a vascular condition affecting my legs. I am scheduled for a third sleep study to determine the cause of my sleep disturbances, as I find myself awakening every 30 to 35 minutes throughout the night, without exception. Accompanying this, I experience nightly hallucinations. I do not suffer from any mental health disorders, nor do I have sleep-related anxiety; I fall asleep rapidly and, though I consume an occasional coffee, it tends to make me feel fatigued. I maintain excellent sleep hygiene and have a consistent bedtime routine. Strikingly, I do not experience hallucinations during naps. Nevertheless, every night, I wake frequently and encounter at least two episodes of hallucinations, which often involve images of animals, people, and insects. The result is a profound sense of exhaustion that lingers throughout my days. What might be at the root of this issue? My only significant drawback in health pertains to my existing medical conditions. Could the residual effects of past health trauma be a contributing factor to my sleep disturbances? Thank you for your insights.
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 11:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with significant sleep disruptions and hallucinations, which understandably can lead to exhaustion and concern. There are multiple factors that could contribute to your symptoms, including your current medications, underlying health conditions, or potential sleep disorders. It's good that you're pursuing further evaluations with sleep studies.
Key Points to Consider:
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Medication Effects: Both melatonin and amitriptyline can affect sleep patterns. Amitriptyline, while used for tension headaches, can also cause side effects like vivid dreams or hallucinations in some individuals.
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Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, or narcolepsy can cause frequent awakenings and hallucinations. Given your schedule for a sleep study, this is a vital opportunity to identify any specific disorder.
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Health History: Your past health issues, especially related to vascular health (iliac artery endofibrosis), could contribute to overall fatigue and discomfort, impacting sleep quality.
Actionable Steps:
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Medication Review: Consider discussing with your healthcare provider the possibility of adjusting your amitriptyline dose or exploring alternative medications for headache management that may not affect your sleep as much.
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Tracking Symptoms: Keep a detailed sleep diary for at least a week before your next sleep study. Note when you fall asleep, how often you wake up, instances of hallucinations, what you're doing before bed, and any changes in your daytime energy levels. This can provide valuable information for your doctors.
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Caffeine and Sleep Hygiene: Since you mentioned that coffee makes you feel fatigued, it may be beneficial to reduce or eliminate caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening. Continue your good sleep hygiene practices as they are essential.
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Stress and Relaxation Techniques: While you don’t currently experience anxiety, incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or gentle yoga before bed could potentially improve relaxation and sleep quality.
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Follow-up After Sleep Study: Once you complete your sleep study, follow up promptly to discuss the findings. If you’re diagnosed with a sleep disorder, treatments may include lifestyle changes, specific therapies, or medications that can significantly improve your sleep quality.
I recognize that this situation can be distressing, and you deserve to feel rested and restored. Keep prioritizing your health and reaching out for support from your medical team. Please let me know if you have any further questions or need more detailed information!
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