Sleeplaughing

Most people in the world have probably heard of sleepwalking, or even of sleeptalking. But, as far as I know, I am the first person to experience the phenomenon I call "sleeplaughing". Now, before you shake your head and rub your eyes cartoon-style in disbelief, let me assure you that it is true. Also, let me tell you that when it wakes you up in the dead of night, it is terrifying.

On several occasions, I have awoken to an evil-sounding cackle that gradually metamorphosed into a hearty bellylaugh. At first, this aural maelstrom would permeate whatever dream I happened to be having at the moment, inevitably throwing my unconscious mental ramblings into a state of nonsensicality and puzzlement. It would then wake me up entirely, as the sound, originating from the sleeping Sam's grin, endured for several freaky minutes. The first time this happened was possibly the most frightening; Sam was lying on his side and facing me, so I initially thought he was just lying there, staring at me, and laughing his head off, which, I think you will agree, would be a properly startling way to wake up. I came to realize, however, that Sam is not actually insane, but rather has some sort of weird sleep malady that causes these chortling outbreaks. Upon shaking him frantically in an attempt to wake him up, I would often receive some sort of unhinged response when I asked what he was laughing at. See examples below:

Me: Sam! Sam! Stop it! What are you laughing at?!
Sam: (with annoyance, and with eyes still closed) Don't wake me up!

or

Me: Sam! You're doing it again!! What are you laughing at?
Sam: What? Oh, Alan Partridge.

or, my favorite one so far...

Me: Sam! For fuck's sake! What are you laughing at?!?!
Sam: Hahahaha. Hahahahahahaha. Slapstick comedy.

Fortunately for me, Sam and I have enjoyed laugh-free sleep for the past few weeks. Here's hoping that trend will hold out.