Apneas and Dreams

[imfletch]

Just wondering why my leak rate, limitations, etc. all seem to go higher when I'm dreaming.
Is this normal?

[DreamStalker]

Some of the elders here used to say that most people generally don't remember their dreams (and thus the fact that they dreamed) unless they wake up during REM.

So possible answer to your questions is that leaks wake you during REM and therefore you realize you dream when you have leaks.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I would say that your pressure needs are simply increasing during REM due to your more relaxed state. Do you use the 'max fit' feature on your S9? If not perhaps that would help.

[hyperlexis]

Just wondering why my leak rate, limitations, etc. all seem to go higher when I'm dreaming.
Is this normal?

I have noticed a correlation to my remembering vivid dreams and/or nightmares or waking up on nights I fail to use my CPAP and/or if I have severe episodes of apnea. There is something to it and I have seen some mention of academic brain studies of people while using CPAP. Cut the oxygen to the brain (a bit...), and interesting things are bound to happen.

[Tom W]

I have noticed a correlation to my remembering vivid dreams and/or nightmares if I have severe episodes of apnea.

This is true for me as well.

I experience these vivid dreams/nightmares nightly as my apnea is still not under control.

[sleepstar]

Just wondering why my leak rate, limitations, etc. all seem to go higher when I'm dreaming.
Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal.
OSA is almost always more severe in REM. It is likely your jaw drops open (your muscles are relaxed - you're basically paralysed in REM) and causes some leak.

However, if your OSA is not controlled or if you are having an excessive leak - then you should try to tackle that

[Grego]

I completely agree with Hyperlexis and Tom W. Once the apnea was under control, my memory of the dreams stopped. I had a recurrence one night when I was on the machine, and noted that my AHI the next morning was 18, up from the average 6 - 7. Seems most tied to my central apnea. I am working with my doctor to discover more specifics, as she also is convinced there is a connection between apnea and disturbed dreams.

[caffeinatedcfo]

My favorite, UN-favorite dream was just before starting CPAP I awoke from a dream (with the signature snort) where I was fighting a never-ending zombie horde on a farm with nothing but melee weapons. Every weapon would break after a couple kills and I'd have to run and find another. No doubt that was OSA!! (and my obsession with The Walking Dead

[SleepyToo2]

My most memorable apnea nightmare was driving over a cliff with my family in the car. I had it at least a couple of times that I recall. Always woke before we hit the water. No repeats in 3 years of cpap.