Why Do I Cry Uncontrollably When Woken Up? Sleep Disturbances

Q: Why Do I Cry Uncontrollably When Woken Up? Sleep Disturbances

Hello, netizens： Night terrors typically occur during fever, sudden withdrawal from long-term use of sleeping pills, lack of sleep, or may be related to psychological stress. <br>If they do not happen repeatedly, medical attention may not be necessary. <br>Dr. <br>Wu Enliang

Woken up from sleep, crying incessantly?

Condition: After falling asleep, when my family calls my name at a normal volume and lightly taps my shoulder to wake me up, I instinctively start crying loudly, almost like a child, with my mouth wide open and unable to stop.
I am aware that I am awake, but I don't understand why I am crying.
I internally want to stop myself from crying, and even when I manage to close my mouth, I still feel like I'm gasping for air, similar to a child trying to hold back tears.
Once, I successfully stopped crying, but on other occasions, I couldn't help but continue crying, to the point where I was bewildered about why I was crying and why I couldn't stop.

Occurrences: This has happened four times.
The first time was four years ago, and I thought it might be due to juggling two jobs and possibly too much stress.
The second and third times, I felt it was related to changes in my work responsibilities.
The fourth time was just yesterday; I still don't quite understand why I cried so intensely.
I happened to be sleeping in a room with a camera, and after watching the playback, I was so startled that I began to shake and cry loudly, even though I wasn't actually scared.
I cried for almost three minutes before I finally managed to stop.
After showing the video to my family, they suggested I see a psychologist to assess the situation, but I wondered if it was necessary to make an appointment for something like this.
I noticed that online, crying upon waking is often associated with young children, and as a 30-year-old woman, I am quite puzzled.
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Liu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/28

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, netizens: Night terrors typically occur during fever, sudden withdrawal from long-term use of sleeping pills, lack of sleep, or may be related to psychological stress.
If they do not happen repeatedly, medical attention may not be necessary.
Dr.
Wu Enliang

Reply Date: 2022/07/28

More Info

Crying uncontrollably upon waking can be a perplexing and distressing experience, especially for an adult. This phenomenon, often referred to as "sleep disturbances," can stem from various underlying factors, including psychological stress, sleep disorders, and emotional regulation issues.

One possible explanation for your uncontrollable crying upon waking is related to the concept of "sleep inertia." Sleep inertia refers to the grogginess and confusion that can occur immediately after waking, particularly if one is awakened from deep sleep. This state can be accompanied by heightened emotional responses, including crying. When you wake up suddenly, especially if you are in a deep sleep phase, your brain may still be in a state of disorientation, leading to an overwhelming emotional reaction.

Additionally, the emotional context of your life may play a significant role. You mentioned experiencing high levels of stress due to work and personal circumstances. Chronic stress can lead to emotional dysregulation, making it more difficult to manage feelings upon waking. The crying episodes you described may be a manifestation of pent-up emotions that surface when you are jolted awake. This is not uncommon; many individuals with high stress levels or unresolved emotional issues may find themselves crying unexpectedly in various situations.

Your experience of crying for several minutes, even after realizing you are awake, suggests that there may be deeper emotional triggers at play. It is essential to consider the possibility of underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms. These conditions can lead to heightened emotional responses and difficulty in regulating feelings, particularly in stressful situations. The fact that you have experienced this phenomenon multiple times over the years indicates that it may not be an isolated incident but rather a recurring issue linked to your emotional state.

Furthermore, the context in which you woke up—such as the presence of a camera recording your reaction—may have added an element of surprise or embarrassment, intensifying your emotional response. This reaction can be compounded by feelings of vulnerability, especially if you feel exposed or judged in such moments.

Given the complexity of your situation, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide you with a safe space to explore these feelings and develop coping strategies. Therapy can help you understand the root causes of your emotional responses and teach you techniques to manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

In summary, uncontrollable crying upon waking can be attributed to a combination of sleep inertia, emotional dysregulation, and underlying psychological stress. It is crucial to address these issues holistically, considering both your emotional well-being and sleep quality. Seeking professional guidance can be a valuable step toward understanding and managing your experiences better. Remember, you are not alone in this, and support is available to help you navigate these challenges.

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