crazy dreams during sleep

Melatonin can cause this, too.

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JeffL wrote:Controlling your dreams is called "lucid dreaming" for anyone who want's to do more research.

Hi JeffL. Do you have any links that expand on this point?

Sure:

"A lucid dream is any dream in which one is aware that one is dreaming. The term was coined by the Dutch psychiatrist and writer Frederik (Willem) van Eeden (1860–1932).[1] In a lucid dream, the dreamer may be able to exert some degree of control over their participation within the dream or be able to manipulate their imaginary experiences in the dream environment.[2] Lucid dreams can be realistic and vivid.[3] It is shown that there are higher amounts of beta-1 frequency band (13–19 Hz) experienced by lucid dreamers, hence there is an increased amount of activity in the parietal lobes making lucid dreaming a conscious process.[4]

A lucid dream can begin in one of two ways. A dream-initiated lucid dream (DILD) starts as a normal dream, and the dreamer eventually concludes it is a dream, while a wake-initiated lucid dream (WILD) occurs when the dreamer goes from a normal waking state directly into a dream state, with no apparent lapse in consciousness.

Lucid dreaming has been researched scientifically, and its existence is well established.[5][6]

NUEROBIOLOGICAL MODEL

Neuroscientist J. Allan Hobson has hypothesized what might be occurring in the brain while lucid. The first step to lucid dreaming is recognizing one is dreaming. This recognition might occur in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is one of the few areas deactivated during REM sleep and where working memory occurs. Once this area is activated and the recognition of dreaming occurs, the dreamer must be cautious to let the dream continue but be conscious enough to remember that it is a dream. While maintaining this balance, the amygdala and parahippocampal cortex might be less intensely activated.[12] To continue the intensity of the dream hallucinations, it is expected the pons and the parieto-occipital junction stay active.[13]

TREATMENT FOR NIGHTMARES

It has been suggested that sufferers of nightmares could benefit from the ability to be aware they are indeed dreaming. A pilot study was performed in 2006 that showed that lucid dreaming therapy treatment was successful in reducing nightmare frequency. This treatment consisted of exposure to the idea, mastery of the technique, and lucidity exercises. It was not clear what aspects of the treatment were responsible for the success of overcoming nightmares, though the treatment as a whole was successful.[14]

Australian psychologist Milan Colic has explored the application of principles from narrative therapy with clients' lucid dreams, to reduce the impact not only of nightmares during sleep, but also depression, self-mutilation, and other problems in waking life. Colic found that clients' preferred direction for their lives, as identified during therapeutic conversations, could lessen the distressing content of dreams, while understandings about life—and even characters—from lucid dreams could be invoked in "real" life with marked therapeutic benefits.[15]

PERCEPTION OF TIME

In 1985, LaBerge performed a pilot study which showed that time perception while counting during a lucid dream is about the same as during waking. Lucid dreamers counted out ten seconds while dreaming, signaling the end of counting with a pre-arranged eye signal measured with electrooculogram recording.[16] LaBerge's results were confirmed by German researchers in 2004. The German study, by D. Erlacher and M. Schredl, also studied motor activity and found deep knee bends took 44% longer to perform while lucid dreaming.[17] However, a 1995 study in Germany indicated that lucid dreams can also have varied time spans, in which the dreamer can control the length. The study took place during sleep and upon awakening, and required the participants to record their dreams in a log and how long the dreams lasted.

continued at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucid_dream

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rocklin wrote: From what I've read, when you dream, your body doesn't know it's a dream.

To your body, all dreams are utterly real.

Hi roc. Do you have any links that expand on this point?

rocklin wrote:Sure:

Certain physiology studies suggest that "seeing is believing" to the brain during any mental state. If the brain perceives something with great clarity or intensity, it will believe that it is real, even when asleep.[32] Dream consciousness is similar to that of a hallucinating awake subject. Dreams or hallucinatory images triggered by the brain stem are considered to be real, even if fantastic.[33] The impulse to accept the experience as real is so strong the dreamer will often invent a memory or a story to cover up an incongruous or unrealistic event in the dream. "That man has two heads!" is not usually followed with "I must be dreaming!" but with something like "Yes, I read in the paper about these famous Siamese twins." Other times there will be an explanation that, in the dream, makes sense and seems very logical. However, when the dreamer awakens, he/she will realize that it is rather far-fetched or even complete gibberish.[34]

Developmental psychology suggests that the dream world is not bizarre at all when viewed developmentally, since we were dreaming as children before we learned all of the physical and social laws that train the mind to a "reality". Fluid imaginative constructions may have preceded the more rigid, logical waking rules and continue on as a "standard" lifeworld alongside the acquired, waking life world. Dreaming and waking consciousness differ only in their respective level of expectations, the waking "I" expecting a stricter set of "reality rules" as the child matures. The experience of "waking up" normally establishes the boundary between the two lifeworlds and cues the consciousness to adopt waking "I" expectations. At times, however, this cue is false—a false awakening. The waking "I" (with its level of expectations) is activated even though the experience is still hallucinatory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucid_dream

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JeffL wrote:I'd be afraid of going too wild in a dream for fear that I wasn't really dreaming.

A real concern if you take Ambien.

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I hate the "naked dream" (http://www.dreamsleep.net/commondreams/ ... dream.html)
I'm always the only one to participate in clothing optional day at work

JeffL wrote:I hate the "naked dream" (http://www.dreamsleep.net/commondreams/ ... dream.html)
I always the only one to participate in clothing optional day at work

I have had the naked dream in various forms all my life. Work, school, shopping... all naked and wondering why no one seems to notice but me.
Once I dreamed I won the Powerball lottery. Darn it....I could only see 5 of the 6 numbers though
If I had seen all 6 I would be buying lottery tickets all the time because I also don't remember the date.
I used to have a lot of very vivid dreams (that I could recall in extreme detail) that came true. Figure one can hope that someday the Powerball dream will come true also.

When I said we don't have much control over dreams I wasn't referring to those dreams we can manipulate because I have done that also on occasion. I meant in general we can't control REM stage sleep...like when or how long.

I have noticed I feel more rested when I just vaguely remember that I had some dreams. The more of a dream that I remember normally means I have awakened several times and fragmented sleep really messes with how I feel the next day. The nights where I have dreamed I worked all night...I wake up totally exhausted. I used to do that a lot when I was on call at the hospital. I hated being on call..either I was up all night really being called in for something or dreaming that I was being called in often and still woke up exhausted.

I have on many occasions awakened with a unhappy-ending dream,
rolled over, rewound, and dreamed the outcome of my choice.
My dream, my rules.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my email. I have updated my profile to include what type of machine I use.

I am not sure which software I have. The card does not tell which version. I have had my machine since 2009 and I must admit I have not been very good with using the cpap machine. I had a titration study last week. Today, my doctor increased my pressure from 12 to 16. I will also be changing to the comfort gel nasal mask which will cover my entire nose. I tend to mouth breath at night as well.


I should get my new mask soon. My doctor told me the same thing that it is good that I am dreaming since it means I am getting a "better" sleep.

BlackSpinner wrote:

freeloveknitter wrote:I have been using my CPAP machine and I notice I am having some crazy off the wall dreams which I am assume is when I am in a deep REM sleep. The respiratory therapist said it was "good" that I was dreaming. Any suggestions, I do try to not eat too late before I go to sleep as well.

Thanks

What does your data say? Are you having apneas during REM?[/quote

I don't know what the data on my machine say. If I download the resmed softrware, will I be able to read the data myself? I have the card, do I need anything else with the software???

I am a 2 1/2 year cpap user (previously had an AHI of 69, with only 5% REM sleep). I was successful with cpap from the very 1st night --- I use it all night, every night --- Mirage Quattro full-face mask. Twice, in the last month, I have had vivid dreams, apparently about fighting someone or something, which, on the first occasion, caused me to hit the floor on my hands and knees, ultimately with fascial and arm bruises (it is a mystery how I got these) --- and on the 2nd occasion (last night), I ended up facing the wall, crouched against the clothes hamper next to the bed, with my hose pulled out of my mask!! No injuries the 2nd time, thank goodness. I like the fact that I'm dreaming (increased REM sleep), but am a bit upset about these two instances, and the potential to hurt myself even more! Has anyone else had such experiences??

I love dreaming, but not sure if the CPAP or my age is keeping me from dreaming (or remembering them)

I did have a funny dream this morning, so I know it's possible and that makes me happy.

Before CPAP, I had horrible experiences where I would wake up gasping for breath and knowing that I was going to die.
Do not miss that!!

Dean Marcaurelle wrote:I am a 2 1/2 year cpap user (previously had an AHI of 69, with only 5% REM sleep). I was successful with cpap from the very 1st night --- I use it all night, every night --- Mirage Quattro full-face mask. Twice, in the last month, I have had vivid dreams, apparently about fighting someone or something, which, on the first occasion, caused me to hit the floor on my hands and knees, ultimately with fascial and arm bruises (it is a mystery how I got these) --- and on the 2nd occasion (last night), I ended up facing the wall, crouched against the clothes hamper next to the bed, with my hose pulled out of my mask!! No injuries the 2nd time, thank goodness. I like the fact that I'm dreaming (increased REM sleep), but am a bit upset about these two instances, and the potential to hurt myself even more! Has anyone else had such experiences??

Are you taking any medications? Changed any of them lately? Including over the counter meds like melatonin?

Download SleepyHead software from the 1st note on main pg ("Pugsy's Pointers") and see what's going on.

I had very vivid and strange dreams when I first started CPAP. I also had that horrible sleep paralysis, where I couldn't move and it seemed so real to me, and I was terrified until I realised it was a dream (thanks to my dog maggie).

OMG I thought I was going crazy - after finding this page I do feel better and know I'm not alone - LOL
since on a CPAP machine due to a diagnosed sleep apnea condition, I've been having the wackiest dreams - some of the just hilarious!! - and I do know these machines have a memory card for the physician/insurance company but hopefully they don't get video clips of your dreams - LOL - Guess those frequent dreams indicate I am going into a deep sleep and therefore resting better which is the purpose of being on a CPAP. I'm going to be honest - I am having a tough time adjusting to the device. First it was the nasal which I pulled off during my sleep w/o realizing and now that I switched it to mask - a bit easier to someone who sleeps on her side

Absolutely check data with SleepyHead -- maybe some adjustments are in order!

My last excessive dream session resulted in an adjustment to the ASV pressure support top end and the problem dream issue was solved. It was like a marathon TV watching session that seemed to never end and I slept almost 2 hours longer and it looked like the 'best guess' sleep cycles were prolonged.

Needless to say, I was quite tired that day and I didn't want to be tired again.