Tocky on 19/1/2008 at 04:31
I take power naps on long drives followed by intense bursts of adrenaline.
I dont' ever have a problem falling asleep except when I'm waiting for Santa of course. I even wake in the same position I fell asleep in. I never think about the day or do equations to fall asleep either. But then most people don't like waking in a pool of vomit and whiskey.
Seriously though, what I do is tell myself to sleep. Just the word when my mind gets too overheated calms me enough to relax. Other than that avoiding any verbal thoughts helps. Of course then you have to watch a wolf walk through the woods and turn to stare at you and you fall into the glow in his eyes which becomes a campfire which has cavemen sitting around it and someone pokes the fire and the embers curl upward and become stars and then you have to say the word sleep again but it works fairly well.
Peanuckle on 21/1/2008 at 21:12
On the reverse side of power-naps, has anyone else been to the nightmare zone?
Its a medical phenomenon that occurs when the brain cuts off motor control of the body so that you don't sleep walk, but forgets to go to sleep. Basically, you're paralyzed, body breathing for you, and you're trapped in your head. It sucks, big time. You can eventually wake yourself up by mental activity.
Happened to me a few times as a kid. I was so scared it would happen again that I went to bed with my arm halfway over the edge so I could try to make it hit something to make myself wake up faster.
Nicker on 21/1/2008 at 22:30
After about 20 minutes of nap time your body starts producing hormones to induce deeper states of sleep. That's why, if you wake up after a long but not long enough nap you feel like crap.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and resist the urge to slip into dream land.
I still prefer marathon naps with regular sleep periods to keep in game shape.
mopgoblin on 22/1/2008 at 00:00
Quote Posted by Peanuckle
On the reverse side of power-naps, has anyone else been to the nightmare zone?
Yeah, it happened to me at the end of a lucid dream a month or two ago. Going from having super-dream-powers to being paralysed within a couple of seconds is nasty. Made me realise I'd forgotten what it's like to really be <em>afraid</em>. Fortunately I was able to wake up properly after 5-10 seconds, but it's still about the most unpleasant experience I can recall.
The Alchemist on 22/1/2008 at 02:57
Quote Posted by Peanuckle
On the reverse side of power-naps, has anyone else been to the nightmare zone?
Oh yes I had these! Fear was manifested in a physical sensation all over that felt like sleeping limbs, pins and needles. I was paralyzed and unable to move or scream, I wanted to scream but my mouth would not. I could only manage a low muffled moan. And I wanted to close (or open?) my eyes and "wake up" but I could not, I was stuck and it was horrific. It happened twice after various forms of intoxications which I don't partake in anymore.
jtr7 on 22/1/2008 at 03:21
Classic!
The stuff of many dark legends throughout history.
Nicker on 22/1/2008 at 10:03
Ever wake up with that terrifying feeling that someone has hijacked a thread and there is nothing you can do about it?
jtr7 on 22/1/2008 at 18:19
No, I'm usually awake and it goes beyond a feeling into full-blown reality.:(
gunsmoke on 23/1/2008 at 00:04
Quote Posted by The Alchemist
Oh yes I had these! Fear was manifested in a physical sensation all over that felt like sleeping limbs, pins and needles. I was paralyzed and unable to move or scream, I wanted to scream but my mouth would not. I could only manage a low muffled moan. And I wanted to close (or open?) my eyes and "wake up" but I could not, I was stuck and it was horrific. It happened twice after various forms of intoxications which I don't partake in anymore.
I actually do this once or month or so. Freaks me the fuck out.
Peanuckle on 23/1/2008 at 02:37
Nightmare Zone occurrences apparently happen to most everyone as a child, but were supposed to grow out of them eventually. If you keep having them regularly, I suggest seeing a doctor about possible brain problems.
