What is that reflex that causes some people to be violent in the first second after they're awakened unexpectedly?

Is it just a primitive instinct? Does every one do it? It’s just dangerous to wake me up, and the kids know it. It’s that first 2 seconds…..it is so reflexive, and it is nothing like me. I never struck out at my kids in anger….unless they wake me up. I literally can’t help it.

One time I had fallen asleep in front of the TV, which is something I almost never do. My beautiful, little five year old Corrie came down stairs to tell me someone was at the door…and I clocked her upside the head with the TV remote. :( Boy, did I feel bad about that.

When they were younger the TV room was right off of my bedroom. They’d get up and watch cartoons, and the volume would be on 2. Literally.

Well, I was awakened this morning by a calm voice trying to tell me something. I rolled over and looked up, and there was Chris, 6’4”, talking to me. Maybe my eyes narrowed for a split second, because he flinched and held up his hands and backed slowly away!

He wanted to know if I could watch Zoey today. After I woke up, of course. So I did.

Corrie said he was crazy. He should have poked me with a broom, at a safe distance, with an exit immediately available.