My spouse attacked me in his sleep. Has anyone heard of such a thing?

Question

We've been together for sixteen years.  There has been a lot of violence on his part (i.e. hitting walls, screaming, vehicle sabotage) but he's never hit me. 

Last night, while sleeping, he picked me up and started to attack me.  I don't know exactly what he did but the episode left me with a sore back.  I'm terrified and still shaking. 

He claims that he dreamt that I was a hippo that was trying to attack him (yeah, yeah, I guess that's a jab at my weight). 

Anyhow, he remembers the incident in detail.  I always thought that people with sleep disorders never remembered such incidents. 

Has anyone heard of such a thing?  

If so, where can one learn more? 

If you've been through this, what did you do to feel safe? 

Thank you.  

And, yeah, the crack-pot answers and jokes will probably help me deal with it.  So, feel free to jest.

hopeymagoo · Accepted Answer

This can happen and should be treated with medications.  If he is that violent in other ways he needs psychiatric help any way.
The way to feel safe is to get out of the relationship, if he refuses to take the proper meds to control his anger and go to anger management classes.  No one should have to live with such an angry and sometimes out of control person.  And yes, his type of awake anger can escalate at any time and he will start hitting you and eventually may try to kill you.  He needs help now.  Don't be one of the many women who don't believe it could get that bad or who put up with abuse because they either feel worthless or are afraid to live without a man in their life.  There lots of terrific men out there and even men who absolutely want a women with a more rounded figure.  Good luck

princess88 · Answer

I have heard of it, but I think the only you can do is have him go some where to test for sleeping disorders.


If it helps I heard of people initiating sex with their spouse while they are asleep.

jmpainting1@sbcglobal.net · Answer

you know i woke up one night with my wife slapping me 
 i sais what are you doing 
she said that she had a dream that i was foolling around  lol
good luck

Jon · Answer

get counseling.


it doesn't sound like just a sleeping disorder

monika who wants to know · Answer

he probablt has something on his mind that he wants to share. he doesnt wanna confront it because he thinks your not gonna like it.

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My spouse attacked me in his sleep. Has anyone heard of such a thing?

5 Answers