Posted by Mark H. on March 28, 2001, at 0:22:07
In reply to Questions Regarding The Hearing Of Voices, posted by Stephen on March 27, 2001, at 23:08:47
Dear Stephen,
Thank you for your wonderfully articulate posting. If I recall correctly, hearing voices as you're falling asleep at night (in a so-called hypnogogic state) is one of the interesting anomalies studied under the general rubric of "sleep disorders" rather than abnormal psychology. Which is to say, except to the extent that it interferes with your life (by occasionally keeping you up half the night), it is probably a harmless phenomenon.
If you read some of the sleep literature, you might be reassured to know that there are many others who experience similarly odd sounds and sensations in the transition from wakefulness to sleep. These phenomena, some of them very disturbing, are nevertheless qualitatively distinct from the auditory hallucinations associated with schizophrenia.
This is just one thread to follow in your inquiry, of course. My favorite author in this area is named Dement, and he is one of the pioneers in sleep studies at Stanford University. His books are both informative and enjoyable to read.
Thank you again for such a clear and thoughtful sharing of your experience.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:5313
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010324/msgs/5315.html