I have a grid of red markings on my hand., page 5

reply to post by sillystars

Disclaimer : any information pertained within this post should not be treated as formal diagnosis, and should only be treated as an educational material. If you wish a formal diagnosis it would be best for you to consult your local GP or specialist as opposed to the internet.

Here is my take on the wound or skin depression. Again a physical examination would be better, but unlikely to be possible.

So look at the photo as it stands here are some assumed facts, so please correct me:
1. Skin irritation appears to be sitting directly over sternum, this is assumed due to the positioning of the chin.
2. Skin irritation is right to left (as you look at the photo)
3. Skin irritation appears to be caused by what can only be described as "blunt force", given i cannot see any scabs, entry wounds or blood. Bruising does not appear present around the depression.
4. Skin discoloration around the upper sternum, flowing down approximately 1-2 inches outside of the skin irritation, and up under the subjects shirt.

Given the above comments/assumptions/facts (take them as you will), i can conclude that this can either be, an accidental strike by an object in your chest, or more logically simple a skin irritation ranging from a change in fabric softener or/and washing powder to insect infestation within your clothing. Given the surrounding irritation of the skin either letter explanation seems to suit.

Next - Dreams and jaw "clicking".

Given in a state of REM sleep your body is at its most relaxed point, thus your joints (in some cases) can freely move easier. To be more specific we will take your Temporomandibular joint or the joint that connects your mandible to your skull. This joint is widely known as the most complex muscular and ligamental joint in the human body. So with that in mind, i'd like to specifically point out the temporomandibular ligament, which sits at the furthest point of your mandible. This ligament is the most common to 'relax' during REM sleep (as it isnt 'required' in a relaxed state). Now with that in mind, if you have a history of grinding your teeth, over time the ligament in question can 'over relax' resulting in a clicking noise (also can sound like a grinding noise, depending on the health of the cartilage within your mandible), this noise is simply put the muscles and/or ligaments "slapping" against the bone. Overall there is "nothing" wrong with you, as i can personally do this at will on my jaw, hips and ankles. On the other side of the fence its possible you are simply suffering from Bruxism.

These can be easily resolved by your dentist and/or Oral surgeon.

Last but not least night sweats, these can be caused by a number of conditions or just you being different. Here are some of the more common causes (yes I'm aware it's winter in the US, and this is outside of illness i am working under the assumption the poster is healthy):

1. Nocturnal Myoclonus, which is involuntary movement of limbs and muscles during REM sleep. Remember kids movement causes heat, heat causes sweating.

2. Night Terrors (i dont like using this term, however its valid), despite what others my have you believe night terrors do not end with you waking up screaming like a banshee. Night Terrors is more defind as waking up a fearful state, these offer full explanation to your sweating (Fight or Flight instinct will cause your adrenal systems to fire, thus raising overall body temperature.

Causes can vary per individual, ranging for dietary to physical or mental "disorders" (urgh, i hate that term in this context). Most common methods to resolve these are exercise at least 1 hour before bed (go for a walk, run on a treadmill etc), removing all stressful events at least an hour before bed, i could recommend a relaxing hobby, such as meditation, swimming or anything where you find yourself at peace.

Good luck, and i hope your quality of sleep improves