ask: Why did I experience a few seconds of total memory loss?
Last night I woke up after a couple hours of sleep and for a few seconds I could not remember anything! As with most people, I have awaken at night wondering if it were a weekday or weekend and feeling relieved to know it was the weekend....:) However, I have never experienced what I experienced last night. I did not even know who was sleeping in the other bedroom. I was totally blank. My heart was racing. After a few seconds, my memory slowly began to return. I repeated over and over my name, who was sleeping in the next room, song lyrics, information about my family. I was afraid to go back to sleep for fear that it would happen again and last longer or permanently. Please help....
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Can you explain why this is concerning to you? I want to make sure I understand the situation, because if you were asleep and you had a memory loss for only a few seconds, it is most likely attributable to the type of sleep you were in...is this what you are wanting to know? If you are curious about how sleep effects our memory, I can provide you some information.
However, it sounds like you are concerned about this, and it scared you enough that you did not want to go back to sleep. Can you explain why this was such a traumatic event for you? Has it happened in the past, do you have have a history or family history of memory-loss type conditions? Do you have any other medical conditions?
February 20, 2011 - 8:12amThis Comment
This has never happened before. I sat straight up in bed and my heart was racing. It was just a terrifying experience because I could not recall anything at that moment. I am just wondering if it could be a sign of neurological problem of some sort. I am still a little worried that it might happen again. Chances are it may never happen again....at least I pray that it won't. I did have a very stressful week, which I have had before, but never experienced this.
February 20, 2011 - 8:17pmYou know your body best, and if you are feeling that this is more than a one-time occurrence, and is a symptom of a medical condition, please do not hesitate to call your doctor about your combined symptoms (heart racing, memory loss, excessive stress). Adults can absolutely have heart-racing, confusion and intense anxiety during a nightmare, especially after a stressful or traumatic event. Chronic stress, sleep-deprivation, poor nutrition, unhealthy coping skills, other medical conditions...these could all be factors in anxiety or sleep disturbances.
It is impossible for anyone online to properly go through every scenario, as your doctor would be privy to your current medical status, health history, etc. However, a few things for you to consider:
1. A neurological problem typically would have other symptoms, such as some loss of muscle coordination during this isolated event. If you have any family history of neurological disorders, you may want to talk with your doctor about your concerns.
2. Lifestyle-related behaviors can absolutely lead to your symptoms (stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of nutrition, excessive alcohol or other drug use, etc).
3. Have you experienced other mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression?
4. Have you had any sleep disorders or sleep conditions?
5. Are you within a healthy weight range?
As you can see, the symptoms you describe could be explained in many different ways, and it is all dependent on what else is going on in your life, as well as the status of your health.
I am happy to continue talking with you about this, if you would like a "sounding board".
February 20, 2011 - 9:43pmI have been following your comments because I am experiencing few seconds of memory loss and wanted to get info. This happened to me several times over the past few years. Once while I was driving. Did not know where I was who I was , where I was going etc. It took few seconds to regain my memory.
November 15, 2011 - 12:08pmIt also happened last week, while I was at art class. Just for a second, lost all memory , same feeling for not remembering anything. then gradually I got my memory back . Very strange feeling when this happen , very scary too.
I am 51, 6 ft. 185 lb, Healthy in general little high cholesterol 230 High SPK level 300 - 900(was told Muscular dystrophy) But I do not believe that because I am muscular and still play soccer. Also very low white count 2.1 - 2.5. This is going on for the past 25 years of so. I drink but not too much, and I was not drinking when this happened. I do not do drugs. I am not on any medication except for Acid reflux.
Any idea what that is. I hope I do not have to go through lots of tests again. I did so many for the blood spk and white counts and hope not to go through that again.
about a year ago i started loosing my memory about things i've done in my life, such as vacations with the kids,important dates,peoples names that i've met, etc. I've seen my doctor and had all the brain scans, physicals, and blood work done ,and she says i'm in good shape. then she sent me on a sleep test and they said I have sleep apnea. so i've been on the c-pap for about a year but my memory is getting worse. i'm 55 don't drink alot or do any drugs, and because my doctor can't think of anything else she wants me to start anti depressant drugs and i'm not agreeing with that. what do you think
November 15, 2011 - 7:19pmI agree with you. In your case, to helped you sleep better, I would try yoga, relaxation techniques, or even hypnosis. Unfortunately, in my case, it is total loss for few seconds then back to normal. It is very scary experience and hope it won't come back
November 15, 2011 - 8:38pm