I have had the sense of doing something or being somewhere when experiencing it for the first time. It is actually a tad frightening to me. When it happens it seems as if reality has stopped and an alternative reality has taken over. But it doesn't happen often, so, I hardly ever think about it. Experiencing reoccurring dreams and or nightmares is more troubling to me. If I allow myself to become overtired my sleep is always interrupted by nightmares, some repeating and some new. I wish they were as easily ignored as deja vu.
Cheryl, your description of dejá vù "seems as if reality has stopped and an alternative reality has taken over" is one of the best descriptions I've heard. Nightmares can be brought on by spicy food too like a mexican poblano pepper dish called Chilies Rellenos. That happened to me once. I'll never order that again.
You are so right. I always watch what I eat and do my best to limit any food consumption after 6pm. Sounds silly but it's true that my body doesn't want to work on a meal when I'm trying to sleep. Have you ever had a dream in which you felt as if someone was watching you and you couldn't wake up? That was one of my reoccurring dreams after a rash of home invasions in my neighborhood. I dreamt that there were people in my home stealing my things while one of them was standing over me making sure I didn't wake. It was very disturbing not being able to wake up and stop them. And of course when I did wake up no one was there. I hadn't started watching the timing of my evening meals then. Now that I do I find my nightmares are further and further apart. Actually, so is my deja vu.
Those nightmares do sound frightening. I've had dreams where people have chased me but I can't remember any details now. I'm glad they've lessened for you. You're not the only one who has shared that dejá vù doesn't happen much anymore. Maybe it's more for young active minds and lessens as we age. Interesting.
There seems no definitive answer for dejá vù, I've experienced it many times. Strange,.. I feel I've said that before.
Yes, I imagine that everyone has had a little of that "I know I've been here, or heard that before" feeling. I too have had many, many experiences with it but the one I am stuck with now is vu ja de........It's kind of de ja vu but all mixed up. It's when I am somewhere I have never been and know I have never been there and do not want to be there. It's really creapy how many times that happens in my life. Kinda like going to a newly built Walmart. Makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.