Can sounds that shock a person awake cause death? I heard on a health show that this can happen to people with an irregular heartbeat, if they are startled from a sound sleep. I have an irregular heartbeat, and things like a ringing phone or an alarm clock put me in this state of rage when they go off while I'm sleeping. My heart races to the point I'm short of breath. When I tell people of this, they think I'm some sort of nut.

L.

I'm not aware of sounds being able to shock a person to death, but a physician might know differently. You might consider directing your question to your cardiologist or internist.

That said, I do know that some people have what's called an "exaggerated startle response" to loud noises or anything that surprises them, with racing heart, shortness of breath, fear, anger, etc. erupting. Such responses can develop as a lingering reaction to trauma such as car accidents, natural disasters, assaults, abuse, etc. It's as though their bodies react to any startling stimuli as a possible indication of life-threatening danger, catapulting them into an adrenalin-fueled "fight-or-flight" response. (In a "fight-or-flight" response the body pumps into readiness to fight or flee from danger.)

Having such a response doesn't mean that a person's a "nut," but rather that his or her body has developed a particular kind of automatic response. Psychotherapy can be quite helpful in understanding and addressing such reactions.

I can't comment on whether your reaction might have any psychological components, of course, without talking with you personally. If you think that possibility is worth exploring, consider consulting with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. But do check with your physician specifically about your fears of being shocked awake by loud noises. And in the meantime, you might consider turning the ringer on your phone down -- or off -- when you sleep, and finding an alarm clock with a more pleasant sound.