Sleep Drunkenness

Sleep drunkenness (also known as confusional arousal) is more common than previously thought. This according to a study at Stanford University School of Medicine, led by researcher Dr. Maurice Ohayon, a professor psychiatry, and colleagues. People who have sleep drunkenness or confusional arousal tend to wake up in a confused state. If the condition is severe, they can injure themselves or others. There have been cases where waking up in a confused state led to the person striking a bedmate. In another case, a ship’s passenger who awoke in a confused state, fell off the deck and died. Episodes can occur even while taking a nap. Most people can’t recall the incident afterwards. More tomorrow.