Sleep apnea dreams are different, here's why - Dr Kaveh LIVE

#sleepapnea #dreams #nightmare

What do people with sleep apnea dreams of? Why are they more likely to have bad dreams or nightmares?

Today I'll discuss the complex intersection of dreams and sleep apnea, an often-undiscussed aspect of this prevalent condition. This comprehensive discussion delves into the nature of dreams that sleep apnea patients typically have, the reasons behind such experiences, and how they relate to the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). Drawing similarities with post-anesthesia delirium and REM atonia, we aim to create a holistic understanding of sleep disturbances and their psychological impact. We also explore how interventions like CPAP and BiPAP machines and avoiding certain medications can dramatically improve both sleep quality and mental health for individuals with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to disruptions in sleep cycles and overall sleep quality. It can have far-reaching implications beyond physical health, significantly influencing mental health and the content and nature of dreams. Sleep apnea sufferers often report disturbing dreams with negative emotional content, often feeling like they are choking, drowning, gagging, or trapped in a coffin.

The relationship between the severity of sleep apnea, gauged through the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), and dream experiences, is not merely coincidental. AHI measures the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, reflecting the severity of sleep apnea. Higher AHI values are usually associated with more fragmented sleep patterns and more negative dream content, indicating a clear correlation.

A significant part of the video elucidates the surprising similarities between sleep apnea patients' dream experiences and the delirium experienced by patients post-anesthesia, particularly those who experience atonia - a lack of normal muscle tension. Atonia typically occurs during REM sleep, the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs. In healthy individuals, this prevents us from acting out our dreams physically. However, in sleep apnea patients, these mechanisms are disrupted, leading to fragmented dream formation and disturbing dream content.

We then navigate through the vital role of sleep therapy machines such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines. These devices are transformative in restoring normal sleep patterns and thereby improving mental health. They work by delivering a constant flow of air to keep the airways open, preventing apneas, promoting uninterrupted sleep, and ultimately contributing to healthier dream patterns.

Lastly, the video addresses the influence of certain medications and substances on REM sleep. Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, TCAs, marijuana, alcohol, and stimulants can all further disrupt REM sleep, exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms and negative dream content. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with sleep apnea to exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using these substances.

Hopefully you'll have a better understanding of sleep apnea's intricate effects on the subconscious mind. I hope this video will be a valuable resource for sleep apnea sufferers, their loved ones, or anyone interested in the psychological aspects of sleep disorders. Remember, a better understanding of the problem often leads to better solutions, and in this case, it might lead to better dreams and improved mental health.

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This video/speech/channel DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. Patients with medical concerns should contact their physician. If your concern is an emergency, immediately call 911. This information is not a recommendation for ANY THERAPY. Some substances referenced in this content may be illegal, and this content is not a recommendation for, or endorsement of, their use in any way.

[flapwheat]

Man, health care needs LOTS more great people like you!

[cclothier]

I was in the hospital from 5/6 to 5/9 with COPD Pneumonia. One of my male nurses, we were talking about being a nurse he told me he really wants to be a anesthesiologist so I gave him your channel. The next day he came in and was so thankful that he was watch you all night!

[eileenmetzkow]

Retired Nurse. I never knew bad dreams correlated to PTSD, DEPRESSION, SLEEP APNEA, etc…. I’m blown away by learning this now. Thank you for teaching me this. 💕🙏🏼

[YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching]

I've had 30+ years of action packed dreams where I'm either fighting or running away or trying to hide away from danger. What you mentioned in the second half of the video about patients waking up in a violent mood or people who regularly have hostile dreams really hits home with my lifetime of vivid dreaming.
Years of group therapy has been dismissive or unconcerned with my dreams even when I have mentioned the worrisome nature of some of them. Therapists have recommended a calming sleep routine (which I already have); avoiding alcohol and caffeine (which I already do); and to be mindful of what I watch before bedtime (I gave up scary movies and watching the news 10 years ago. ). My point in saying all that is that I always knew there was something else going on. Its more likely my newly diagnosed central apnea has been the cause of my mental health issues. Poor sleep causing depression, anxiety, and memory issues...not the depression being the cause of everything.
One thing I have been asking is why don't these doctors, therapists, and specialty health care providers look at each other's findings to see what issues might be causing other health problems? If they would work together putting together each piece of my health puzzle they could each see the whole picture.😖🤕

[planning_with_patches]

Just before I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea I had two surgery's. I felt more refreshed and energetic when I woke up then I can ever remember. I think those were the only few times in the last decade that I felt well rested. The anesthesia was so amazing for me.

[gioiaferrante]

I love this doctor. It's like being in medical school all over again but fun. Great information for people. Great personality as well.

[kellykelly]

I have obstructive sleep apnea, and boy, did I have aggressive dreams. I would thrash, yell, cuss. It was trippy. I have a cpap machine now, and the aggressive dreams are virtually gone. I'm glad to know that the low oxygen was causing it. Thanks, doc!

[mitziheinack]

I had my left knee replacement this morning. I always sing in the OR to the staff in there!!! I did that for my left, right hip and right knee. They love me!! I wrote a song for the surgery today! To thank everyone for helping me !!!! I am the patient who is happy when going under anesthesia 😂

[empressadelexxmotherofjohn]

Fascinating, thank you from someone who has suffered from hideous paralysing demonic nightmares on and off all my life. It feels good to be acknowledged.

[ericgorder]

You are great and compassionate doctor! We desperately need more like you!

[joncampos-cwtk]

I don’t have apnea nightmares, but I’ve met the most interesting people and a recurring dream has actually changed over time to the point that I look forward to having it.

[cynthiabakke]

"Mom why do you scream in your sleep?". I attributed it to trauma, as I had horrible nightmares long before my apnea. However, the screaming was new, and no amount of prazosin touched the nightmares I was having. Went on a CPAP and voila! No more screaming, just normal good and bad dreams. I didn't know why, though. Thanks for this in-depth and clear explanation!

[briangrussing]

Thanks man! No one ever explained to me how ptsd & apnea are likely the primary cause of these constant dreams of being hunted/dissected/eaten alive every time i sleep more than a short nap. Its been so exhausting i believe i became addicted to extreme sleep deprivation (2-6 hrs/week). Youre doing great work bud, 🙏

[xSheravenx]

This was one of the most interesting and informative videos I've ever seen. You're an amazing speaker/teacher. Thank you!

[aliensoup]

I discovered many years ago that my sleep paralysis and bad dreams were related to difficulty breathing. I occasionally woke up moaning and trying to call out, imagining there was a threatening presence outside the door. I woke myself up gasping for air. After figuring that out, I tried to control my head and sleeping position to prevent it. I also started to wear a tooth-guard to prevent teeth grinding, and that interfered with my breathing. I have not experienced my usual vivid dreams for several years. Only recently, I have worked out the problems in my sleep habits, and am now experiencing vivid dreams in the morning, and feel the difference in the deepness and quality of sleep. I now know that when I have a vivid and interesting dream that I can remember, I have slept well.

[KPHVAC]

Getting a CPAP machine and getting the correct pressure dialed in has completely changed my life! I got my CPAP about a year ago. I sleep amazing now, I have energy again, and I'm down 10 pounds! If you are always tired and snore get a sleep study done!!

[Miss_Distress]

I have severe OSA. Before I was diagnosed, I had anxiety inducing dreams every night. I won’t call them nightmares for the most part, just unpleasant dreams that contained aspects of trauma from my life. It made me dread sleep.

I love my CPAP machine, I sleep without dreams most of the time 😁

[jayxxxx]

I am a sleep apnea sufferer. You just gave me a wealth of valuable information that even my sleep professionals could not. Thank you!!

[chezmanya]

Thanks for addressing topic of sleep apnea, a diagnosis that is greatly underutilized, and under tested. Most people, like me in the past, are in denial about their symptoms. Thankfully, when I was 61, I finally had a sleep study and I have slept with CPAP ever since. Can’t begin to tell you how CPAP has improved my overall sleep experience, and I never sleep without it. I even bought a travel machine to take with me overseas. I keep thinking of someone’s statement “sleep is 1/3 of your life.“ So make the most of it. Whenever I have surgery, which, thankfully, isn’t too often, I always mention sleep apnea to my anesthesiologist.

[jblyon]

I can confirm the apnea dreams. Some I wouldn't call nightmares, but still disturbing, and make sense when framed along with breathing stopping. Trying to nap after a long day of work was the worst. I'd only fall partially asleep and could feel my airway collapse, while also dreaming (or whatever is closest to dreaming in that state) overly disturbing things. My APAP is my best friend, and I have an entire shelf in the closet of spare supplies and parts, to make sure I never have to go without!