head banging

[BlurredBoundaries]

I totally forgot about this until just recently but, when I was a kid (I don't remember exactly when it started but roughly from about kindergarten to probably about the age of 13 or so),I used to have to bang my head into the pillow, every night, in order to fall asleep.

It's hard to describe it in words but I would sleep on my tummy & literally bang my head up and down, over and over, anywhere from like 30 minutes to an hour and a half until I'd fall asleep.

Anyone have any idea why someone would do that?

ETA - I just Googled and found some information about it. Apparently it's called rhythmic movement disorder,and it's fairly common in babies.

It said it usually stops at the age of 3 or 4 though! I did this until I forced myself to stop, due to having sleepovers as a teen, and the fear of embarrassing myself.

I read that it could be a form of self soothing. I wonder if I did that to soothe myself due to psychological problems or neglect?

Edited April 23, 2015 by BlurredBoundaries

[inabook]

I still do it when i have troubles to fall asleep... I don't consider it to be a problem for me, it's helpful. I used to do it more, but same I learned to "control" when to do it

[Fluffypinkbunny]

My sister did this on her pillow at night when she was little, as a self soothing thing and to help her go to sleep. We lived in a very dysfunctional home and she had to share a room with our bpd sister who was a terror.

 

She also rocks in a recliner.  It's soothing and relaxing for her. 

 

I don't see any harm in it.  If it helps you, go for it.

Edited April 23, 2015 by Fluffypinkbunny

[yarnandcats]

did this too

as a kid/teen

(sometimes still do now)

 

found it good for

self-soothing

in environments that weren't conducive

to lots of physical movement

if that makes sense

(like if one is supposed to stay in bed)

(one way to do that and self-sooth/release some pent-up energy)

(pillow head bang, right?)

 

kindly freaked my parents out, tho'

but

our entire existence

freaks them out

so

[BlurredBoundaries]

Yes,that makes sense.I always did it when I was laying in bed too, so I cpuld see it being pent up energy.

But when people say it's a self soothing mechanism, I just wish I knew exactly why I felt the need to self soothe.

I wish I knew.

[Wooster]

For what it's worth, sometimes it's just sensory stimulation that feels nice.

 

My brother had a blankie that he would rub a corner of back and forth under his nose/above his lip.

 

I *still* to this day will rub my feet back and forth on the sheets as I'm going to bed, just because it feels nice and soothing to have repetitive motion.

[BlurredBoundaries]

Ahhh,I see. That's a good way of putting it and it puts my mind at ease. Thanks Wooster!