Originally published October 26 2005
Sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Allen Douma carefully explains how delirium and sleep deprivation can lead to visual hallucinations.
My wife has had multiple back surgeries but still has episodes of back pain.
Her orthopedic doctor said it is not advisable to have another surgery to relieve her pain.
The doctor gave her Oxycontin, which helps a lot.
But, even so, she often awakens in the middle of the night with pain.
It's like a play going on in her head for a minute or two.
When my mother had this problem, it was the beginning of her Alzheimer's disease.
Without more information, I can only speculate that your wife may be having visual hallucinations associated with delirium or a sleep disturbance such as sleep walking.
Delirium is a type of cognitive mental disorder - others are dementia and amnesia.
It is characterized by a disturbance of consciousness and a change in awareness and understanding (cognition).
Delirium caused by a substance may be due to either intoxication by that chemical or withdrawal from it.
Research has shown that some people taking an opioid medication, such as Oxycontin, will develop hallucinations.
This is more likely if your wife's pain, when she awakens at night, causes her to take more of the drug.
The fact that your wife sees her "plays" just as she is waking up suggests a sleep-related problem as a contributing factor.
I recommend that she seek professional help.
She should make sure she is not taking extra Oxycontin in the middle of the night, and she should ask the doctor about a possible connection with her hallucinations.
The presentation of her problem, especially since there are no other symptoms of mental disturbances or mental incapacity, does not indicate Alzheimer's disease.
ALLEN DOUMA spent 12 years in clinical practice.
He has written, edited and advised on numerous medical publications.
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