Summary of “Mike Birbiglia: Sleepwalk with Me”

Episode: Mike Birbiglia: Sleepwalk with Me
Release Date: January 12, 2009
Host: Dan Kennedy
Venue: The Moth Mainstage
Length: Approximately 15 minutes

Introduction to Mike Birbiglia’s Struggle with Sleepwalking

Mike Birbiglia opens his story by addressing the concept of conviction, intriguingly stating, “sometimes denial can be one of the greatest convictions” (02:00). He shares his personal struggle with sleepwalking, a condition that profoundly affected his life and relationships.

Recurring Nightmares and Initial Denial

About seven years prior to the telling, Mike began experiencing episodes where he would sleepwalk and have recurring dreams involving a “hovering insect like jackal” in his bedroom. Living with his girlfriend, Abby, he recounts, “I would jump on the bed and I would strike a karate pose” (02:15). Despite never having trained in karate, Mike mimicked poses from karate books, confronting the imagined threat.

Abby’s response became a routine: “there's no jackal in the room, go to bed” (02:30). This repeated denial became a source of trust between them, yet Mike remained convinced of the presence of the jackal, highlighting the tension between belief and reality.

Vivid Dreams and Physical Consequences

Mike narrates a particularly vivid dream where he competes in an obscure Olympic event, such as dustbusting. Initially placed third, he’s abruptly elevated to first place, only to find the podium “wobbling” (03:00). This unsettling shift leads to a fall from a bookcase, resulting in broken TiVo pieces scattering across his living room floor. Disoriented, Mike wakes to find Abby questioning the state of their TiVo, leaving him confused and concerned.

Ignoring Medical Advice and Adopting Self-Help Measures

Despite his alarming experiences, Mike admits to dismissing medical advice. “My dad’s a doctor,” he reflects, recalling how he brushed off concerns by declaring his busyness (04:00). Instead, he turns to self-help, purchasing a book titled The Promise of Sleep by Dr. Dement. The book provided practical tips, such as eliminating distractions before bed and adjusting sleep environments.

Through his research, Mike discovers REM Behavior Disorder, characterized by dopamine deficiencies that prevent the body from paralyzing during REM sleep, thereby allowing individuals to act out their dreams. This revelation brings him closer to understanding his condition, yet he postpones seeking professional help.

The Breaking Point: A Traumatic Incident

Approximately three years before the podcast, Mike's sleepwalking culminates in a dangerous incident. While performing in Walla Walla, Washington, and staying at a La Quinta Inn, he falls asleep watching chaotic news about war. In his dream, a guided missile targets his room, prompting him to react instinctively by jumping out of his second-story window, despite it being closed (07:00).

Mike describes the aftermath: “I was on the front lawn of La Quinta in Waiuaya, Washington, in my underwear, bleeding” (09:00). The shock of waking up injured in a foreign city blinded him to his surroundings, leaving him to navigate the early morning confusion alone.

Emergency Room Experience and Realization

Upon realizing the gravity of his actions, Mike seeks help at the hotel’s front desk, encountering an unfazed employee who simply responds with, “huh?” (10:30). With no one else to turn to, he drives himself to the emergency room, where he must explain his bizarre predicament multiple times. Repeating phrases like, “I’m the Hulk,” Mike illustrates the disconnect between his sleep-induced behavior and his waking persona.

Despite severe injuries requiring 30 stitches, the ER doctor expresses astonishment, “you should be dead” (12:00), to which Mike counters confidently, “no, you should,” showcasing his resilience and humor even in dire circumstances.

Seeking Professional Help and Implementing Solutions

The incident serves as a wake-up call. Upon returning to New York, Mike finally consults a specialist in sleep disorders. He adopts rigorous safety measures: taking strong sleep medications, sleeping in a sleeping bag up to his neck, and wearing mittens to prevent himself from opening the bag (14:00). These steps aim to eliminate the possibility of another sleepwalking episode.

Reflection on Denial and Personal Growth

In his conclusion, Mike connects his experience with denial to his career in comedy. “If it weren’t for denial, I wouldn’t be a comedian,” he muses (15:00). The ability to present oneself positively despite failures is essential for performing and succeeding in comedy. However, he cautions that excessive denial can be detrimental, as illustrated by his near-fatal sleepwalking episode.

Mike’s story is a poignant blend of humor and vulnerability, offering insights into the complexities of mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the fine line between confidence and denial.

Key Takeaways

• Sleepwalking and REM Behavior Disorder: Mike’s experiences highlight the dangers of untreated sleep disorders and the critical role of medical intervention.

• Denial as a Coping Mechanism: While denial can foster resilience, it can also prevent individuals from addressing serious issues adequately.

• Humor Amidst Adversity: Mike uses humor to navigate and narrate his traumatic experiences, demonstrating the therapeutic power of comedy.

• Importance of Support Systems: Abby’s unwavering denial of the jackal symbolizes the complex dynamics of relationships when dealing with personal struggles.

Notable Quotes

• On Denial: “Sometimes denial can be one of the greatest convictions.” (02:00)

• Describing the Dream Incident: “The window was closed, so I jumped through a window like the Hulk.” (06:30)

• Emergency Room Reaction: “You should be dead.”
  Mike’s Response: “No, you should.” (12:00)

• Final Reflection: “If it weren’t for denial, I wouldn’t be a comedian.” (15:00)

Mike Birbiglia’s “Sleepwalk with Me” is a compelling narrative that intertwines personal struggle with moments of humor, offering listeners a deep dive into the interplay between mental health and personal resilience. His candid storytelling not only entertains but also sheds light on the importance of acknowledging and addressing one’s vulnerabilities.