A member asked:

Could hearing a scary sound in the middle of the night after going to sleep depressed be an auditory hallucination? or part of a night mare?

12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Could be either, or: It would depend on whether you were asleep or awake when you heard the sound. Could be a parasomnia. Or, there may have actually been a sound that your mind/brain interpreted as scary -- like if a picture hanging on a wall suddenly falls down in the night. The resultant "crash" might wake & alarm you, but you wouldn't be awake enough to determine what happened. Please discuss with your doc.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Parasomnia: Parasomnia (experiencing a sleep state while awake). Hallucinations associated with falling asleep=hypnogogic. Hallucinations associated with waking up=hypnopomnic hallucinations. This are not psychiatric conditions.

Answered 9/21/2013

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SLEEP: A good night's sleep is crucial for physical & mental health. Have a physical exam by a Dr. to know if you have a physical illness. If cleared consult with a Clinical Psychologist for psychotherapy with ZOOM & a Psychiatrist for medication, perhaps a sleep study. Your fears & anxiety could be heightened because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stay safe & hold on to hopefulness to elevate your immunity.

Answered 12/24/2020

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