You are correct in your statement that dreaming usually occurs when someone has been asleep for a period of time. Dreaming occurs in the REM (Rapid eye movement) stage of sleep after the body has gone through sleep stages 1-4. This REM cycle usually occurs 70-90 minutes after the initiation of sleep. Although you might experience mild visual imagery or even hallucinations on reviving from a fainting episode (especially if drugs or alcohol are involved) you probably were not in true REM dream sleep, if that’s what you are asking.
Although your question is directly about dreaming, it is important to discuss the circumstances that are causing you to have such feelings. The situation you describe in regards to making yourself faint is very potentially dangerous, since intentionally making someone pass out can have very serious side effects. We want to emphasize information about this “party trick” posted in a previous answer on this Web site.
When someone “blacks out” there is not enough oxygen flowing through the blood to the brain. There is a sudden drop in the blood pressure, the heart rate falls, and the blood vessels are not able to react quickly enough to the body’s need for oxygen. The person then may feel weak, nauseated, pale, warm, lightheaded, have dimmed vision or even double vision, increased breathing rate, or inability to hear what people are saying around them.
The “black out” time is usually only a few seconds, but you may feel tired for minutes to hours. Possible side effects and risks due to syncope (fainting) are variable. The lack of oxygen and blood to the brain may lead to the possibility of stroke with the inability to speak correctly or at all, or to the inability to move one’s arms and legs for a short period or permanently. The heart is also vulnerable to irregular beats and rhythms as well as stopping completely. It’s important to remember that there is the serious possibility of falling and hitting one’s head with severe brain damage or the other possibility of fractures or bleeding.
If you are ever with someone who faints, here are some important things to know if they do not regain consciousness within a few seconds. Check to see if they are breathing, and then check for a pulse in their neck at the carotid artery to see if their heart is beating. If there is any doubt, call for help and contact 911. If you know CPR follow the protocol.
Just remember that fainting by itself is often not serious in teens when of natural causes. However, inducing the loss of consciousness is not a good idea as it could have potentially serious and life-long consequences.
If you have any more questions about fainting, please talk to a parent or your physician.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
Is it OK to make yourself faint?
Posted 2-15-08
