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Hallucinations

Description

Sleep related hallucinations are characterized by patients seeing or hearing things that are not there. Often times confused for a dream, hallucinations make it difficult for the sufferer to discern whether they are awake or asleep. Such moments generally occur right before falling asleep or waking up. Patients with daytime hallucinations may also suffer from narcolepsy.

Diagnosis

Patients complain of auditory and visual hallucinations and are unable to discern whether they are awake or asleep while experiencing this phenomena. This disorder can be the result of drug abuse, a mental disorder or another sleep disorder.

Treatment

This disorder is typically treated through proper sleep hygiene which includes daily exercise and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol or drugs. For serious cases, a doctor may prescribe sleep medication or alter any anti-depressant medication the patient is currently taking.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.