hurt myself while asleep

[Unregistered]

I am a 27 year old female and I hurt myself in my sleep. I have searched the internet but have not been able to find anything on this. If anyone has experienced this or knows of someone who has, please share with me your information and findings! I claw myself in my sleep so bad sometimes that i bleed. I don't do it every night, maybe three times a month, but it scares me. I WAKE UP AND MY NAILS ARE DEEP IN MY SKIN! PLEASE HELP! thanks!

[AmateurHistorian]

I've never heard of anything like this, but since no one else has replied, I'll take a shot. Here's what occurs to me:

1. It could be something akin to sleepwalking -- that is, what would normally be a waking, intentional activity that is instead happening during sleep. A neurologist would be the person to start with.
2. In addition to (1), it could be an emotional disorder similar to self-cutting, or a compulsive disorder like trichophagia (compulsively eating hair). You'd want to see a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist who specializes in these problems.
3. It could be a reaction to trauma. Have you experienced any trauma that you know of? Physical or sexual abuse, victim of a crime, witnessing a person injured or die in an especially horrible way? You didn't say how long you've been doing this, so in particular, did you experience any trauma shortly before it began? Memories of extreme trauma can be repressed, so even if you don't have any specific memories but a feeling that you might have experienced trauma, I'd see a psychotherapist who specializes in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
4. If you have any other medical or emotional problems, this could be related to those.

As a short-term solution, you could cut your nails short and/or wear gloves when you sleep.

This sounds like a really tough problem. I sure do wish you well in finding a solution.

[Unregistered]

Thank you for your reply! I do see a neurologist for some medical problems that I have such as migraines and dandy walker syndrome, I am on 3 different pain meds for this , but i have not seen my Doc since this problem has begun! I will ask him and see if he can offer me any insight or solutions next time I go for a visit! No, I have not experienced any trauma latly, but have been under a great deal of stress! I am a mother of four young children, I babysit my 3 year old nephew, and I am a full time student in college. Maybe these are major contributing factors! Thank you again!

[AmateurHistorian]

I just read about Dandy-Walker syndrome in Wikipedia. Wow. That's a new one on me. With those kinds of congenital neurological issues, plus a lot of life stress, I think your self-hurting has to be related.

I'd suggest that you also look into alternative medical methods such as oriental medicine (accupuncture, herbs, chi gong, etc.), ayurveda, Bach Flower remedies, and NAET, a method for eliminating allergies to foods and environmental toxins. I don't know a lot about them, but after 15+ years during which a series of dozens of "regular" doctors failed to accurately diagnose the cause of my chronic fatigue, I've lost most of my faith in allopathic (mainstream Western) medicine, and am looking more into the alternative therapies. Many people claim benefits from of them that range from modest to stunning. I've had some minor benefits myself from aspects of oriental medicine, including accupuncture, herbs, and cupping.

There are any number of sources on these alternative treatments, but you'll get a good start here by searching for posts by two users, acuann and Eatafruit78. They both seem to have a lot of knowledge and experience with these alternative methods, and they've both written many, many posts on this forum. Maybe one of their posts will have some relevance for you.

My best wishes for your health!

[Unregistered]

Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond! I don't know to much about herbal remedies either but I will be looking into them because quite frankly, I am so sick of taking all of these pain meds. I am just to tired to function properly all of the time! Thanks again!

[sleepproblem]

I too have been searching the internet because I have woken up twice to pinching myself severely under my eye - enough to cause a welt.

I have no idea why this happens and do not recall any dream that precedes it.

I worry I will do it to my eyes next.

Have you gotten any more information about your similar problem?

[estelleeee]

hello

im only 13
and i always wake up with scratches on my arm and bruises on my leg. i am sick of itt.. and i dont know what to do.

:S

[pjograham]

cut your fingernails really short or wear gloves or band aids on your fingertips.otherwise set up a camera to watch yourself sleep, if you see yourself thrashing or something,go see a sleep specialist.

[Unregistered..]

Hello, I'm a mexican female. I've been searching about this problem because it has happen to me three times. I'm 26 years and it has never ever happen to me something like that, in fact, i don´t move a lot arround my bed while asleep, but during the pasts one or two months i ve suffer scratches near my mouth, and thats because I use to sleep with my hands near my face. I'm scared too because in one of the episodes I bleed and scrathch really deep my upper lip. If someone has some information please ´'ll be pleased. thanks

[Unregistered.....]

I'm 23 and have done this twice this week!!
I actually woke myself up the other night as it hurt so much, I woke up and I was just forcing my finger nail into my arm!!
I also 'stabbed' my partner with my nails too!
I only seem to be doing it to my arm, bit worried though as if I keep doing it my arm is gonna look awful with all scratches over it!