Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Noise In Head During Sleeping?
Hi, Before I fall asleep at night I often get a loud noise (almost like a circular saw noise) through my head causing me to jump and open my eyes. Could this be due to a build up of mucus as I suffer from post nasal drip? I am a 65year old female and in good health but I do worry about this feeling.
Wed, 30 Oct 2019
Hello,
I highly doubt that what you're hearing or "think" you're hearing is an actual noise and it is certainly not likely caused by postnasal drip.
What you are describing is more consistent with something akin to an auditory hallucination while falling asleep which may actually classify as a hypnogogic hallucination.
This can be a normal phenomenon if it only happens on rare occasions or it could be part of a parasomnia or sleep disorder such as NARCOLEPSY.
You may wish to speak to a sleep disorder specialist who can send you for full-scale testing.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
I highly doubt that what you're hearing or "think" you're hearing is an actual noise and it is certainly not likely caused by postnasal drip.
What you are describing is more consistent with something akin to an auditory hallucination while falling asleep which may actually classify as a hypnogogic hallucination.
This can be a normal phenomenon if it only happens on rare occasions or it could be part of a parasomnia or sleep disorder such as NARCOLEPSY.
You may wish to speak to a sleep disorder specialist who can send you for full-scale testing.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Post nasal drip
Loading Online Doctors....