Head Bumping During Sleep 40+ yrs

[Carey1230]

I have been softly banging/nodding my head to fall asleep for the past 40+ years.  I sleep on my stomach and I lightly bang my head against my pillow.  This has always seemed to relax me and helps me to fall asleep. It's difficult to resist the urge to do this when I am trying to fall asleep. I have been during this since infancy. I have been told that I continue to do this well after I have "fallen asleep". I dont have a history of head trauma, epilesy, nerve conditions, seizures, sleep apnea or any other medical problems and when I awake I always feel well rested. Please tell me the name of this condition,what causes it and possible remedies.

[Suri123]

Hi, hope you are doing well. It seems this is more of  a habit as you have walked throug for so many years.Can you say about the onset and any treatment received following it. Usually seen in age group around 10 years and less. Has anyone noticed whether it continuous even after you sleep and do you get disturbed by it or any other associated symptoms. I do advise you to see a sleep specialist and a neurophysician for an complete evaluation. Mild sedative or anxiolytics, a hot shower and light music before going to sleep is much helpful. Keep updated of visits. Take care.  

[Carey1230]

I doubt that this is a "habit". I have never rec'd treatment for it and I have not had any problems associated with it (headaches, neck, back pain). The bumping is pretty much continous throughout the entire sleep and I feel rested upon waking.  At the age of 45, (I have done this since infancy), it's doubtful that I will initiate testing, as it does not seem to be causing any problems. For the past several years I have taken Ambien because my work schedule has changed and it was difficult to fall asleep and I always bathe/shower before sleep. I cannot fall asleep to music or any other noise, its a distraction for me.  I was simply curious as to why I have done this all of my life and if it is a "medical condition". Thanks

[Suri123]

Hi, thanks for reply. You are right saying you need no medical attention as this is not bothering you in any sense but getting an evaluation to know the cause also might not harm you. Anyway you are best person to take either decision. Your thoughts are of high value as one of the reader of this coulmn may benefit if facing similar problem. Hope you feel much better and have sound sleep. Take care. Bye.

[Nichole33]

Hi as the mother of twin boys that are now 10, all my friends thought something was wrong with my children. No I still don't know why they do it, but i have (2) aunts that passed before they were born and I grew up watching my (2) aunts (One would bump her head and foot while laying on her stomach, and both would bump while sitting up in a chair). Any way I think it may be hereditary since i have (2) family members that did it. Oh yes both twins bump whwn falling asleep, I hear them in my room in the middle of the night so I guess yes the do it all night as well.

[Suri123]

Hi Carey1230, how are you doing? Hi Nichole33, how are you and how are your twins doing? Well this seems little strange but could be a habit which might put them to sleep as well. You may observe them for any other abnormal behavior if they happen to and make a note, as it might be very helpful when you need to take them to a sleep doctor to get a sleep study done or to a neurologist who can examine them to know any cause. I do not think you need to worry because of your aunts did the same thing. Anyway do consult your doctor if it worsens further. Take care and share your thoughts.

[ExecMom]

Hi Carey,

I am 46 yrs old and was a "head bumper" as a child.  I vividly recall bouncing my head rhythmically on my pillow until I fell asleep each night.  I do not recall when it stopped, nor do I know how old I was when it started.  However, I am a completely normal adult with no sleep problems.  I have four children and although none of my boys demonstrated this habit, I am anticipating that my daughter will based on how much difficultly she has falling asleep without being rocked.

[Cheryl326]

Hello Carey.  My brother who is 49, has bumped his head all of his life.  He has some things going on in his life right now, so I thought I would go on line to see if his head bumping might be a medical concern.  This is the first site that I found, and it looks like his head bumping is more of a "relaxing" thing, than a "medical" issue.  Which just confirms what I had always thought.

I don't know if this will help but here are some things that I remember about my brother while we were growing up.  "Physical":  1.  He learned to walk with his hands folded behind his head, elbows out to the sides for balance.  2.  He is left handed.  3.  He was very skinny until around his late 20's.  "Emotional/Heredity(?)":  1.  We were both very "shy", I outgrew mine, he can still be shy.   2.  We could both have a "temper" at times, but his was always quicker (from my Father's side).  3.  I got all of the "patience" (from my Mother's side) :).  "Head Bumping while laying down":  1.  He would lie on his stomach with his arms folded under his pillow, raise up enough to clear the pillow and bump his head face first into the pillow.  2.  He would bump his head until he fell asleep, but I don't remember him bumping his head after he fell asleep.  "Head Bumping while sitting up":  1.  He sits "Indian style"  with his left heel on his right thigh and his right heel on his left thigh, has a pillow in his lap, and bumps his head against the back of the chair.  "Rocking chairs"  1.  He always liked rocking chairs, but wouldn't bump his head while rocking.

About 40+ years ago while driving through Texas, a car passed us with two boys in the back seat who were both bumping their heads.  It was the first time we had ever seen anyone else bump their heads!  (Note:  I tried it a few times but never found the charm.)