Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Daydream

December 13, 2014 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

I am currently on semester break and working a lot (over 80 hours a week) and also under a lot of stress. When the stress during the semester is not as high (for example, when studying for an exam), I sometimes have "daydreams" (that's what I call it). During these daydreams, I completely immerse myself in absurd thoughts (for example, thinking that I am going on vacation next week, even though I know that is not the case).

When the stress becomes extreme, I often experience isolated, mild muscle twitches throughout the day. Sometimes, when the stress subsides and I am sitting at home in front of the computer, I sometimes experience intense déjà vu. These experiences can overshadow the current situation in their intensity. Sometimes these déjà vu experiences are accompanied by a kind of daydream. Other than these points, I have no complaints.

My question is whether I should be concerned about this (aside from the fact that 80-hour work weeks are not healthy). I have read about epilepsies where such dream states occur.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

There are special forms of epilepsy where one does not have seizures, but only so-called "absences." During these episodes, one is completely "spaced out," not just daydreaming.

So you don't need to worry at all about having epilepsy. Another psychiatric-neurological condition is also far less likely than a simple response of your mind to overload. Your autonomic nervous system is also showing with the twitching that it is all becoming a bit too much.

If you cannot reduce your workload, you should definitely incorporate breaks where you do nothing but listen to music, take a bath, relax. Without TV and PC.

Only if the symptoms do not improve or even worsen, you will need to consult a neurologist.

All the best!

Sincerely, Dr. Höllering