There are data that chronic or extreme anger before sleep
could also cause additional outbursts of morning cortisol, and “whip up”
morning adrenalin.
The expression: “I will rather die then forgive” is
literally correct. Excessive chronic anger made these people actually die from
stroke or heart attacks, if they have high blood pressure and not resolve their
problem (could not forgive and continue being enraged).
Excess of stress hormones could be diagnosed by terrible
dreams when the sleeping person is being attacked or chased. What he sees in
dream is unreal, but the body’s response (heart palpitation, sweatiness) is real.
Interestingly, “angry dreams” when the sleeping person is not a victim but an
attacker – is actually a sign of healing. In one study of divorced women, those
who had violent dreams against their ex-spouses were not depressed, contrary to
the women who had dreams in which they are the victims.
In conclusion, sleep hygiene including pre-sleep calming
rituals as an adjunct to medical treatment might help to prevent cardiovascular
accidents, including stroke.
Sleep Starts (Body Jerks) Are not Dangerous
Q. Does body jerking at falling asleep mean something? Is it
dangerous?
Peter Graham, Chicago, IL
- Dear Peter,
Sensations of falling and body
jerks during falling asleep are very common and present no threats to your
health. Sudden loss of muscle tension in sleep is very typical for REM stages
of sleep, but it may appear in other stages of vigilance. It can be more often
after emotionally difficult (or too excited) day, after sleep deprivation
during the previous nights, or as a side effect of some medications.
Typically, Sleep Starts (this is
the most accepted term for pres-sleep body jerks) do not need any treatment
except some corrections in sleep hygiene.
Sleep Starts should not be your
worry.
Sleep Well.