How to improve REM sleeP??

I have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome and just got back the results from my first CPAP titration study. With the CPAP, all of my levels improved to near normal values--except the REM sleep, which is still horribly low:

Arousals: 42/hour before; 10/hr with CPAP
Oxygen: 89% before; 93% with CPAP
Deep sleep: 3% before; 9% with CPAP
REM sleep: 1% before; 5% with CPAP

REM should apparently be about 15% to 20%, I believe, and I am extremely concerned with the low level even with CPAP because memory, concentration, and anxiety issues are my most distressing symptoms, and all of these have been linked to insufficient REM sleep.

Any advice on whether or not REM will get better with continued use of the CPAP, other issues that might be a factor, or other interventions to increase REM stage sleep?

Welcome Mella,

I can tell you that mine went up. It took more than a week to plateau though. From past discussions here dream quality goes up on CPAP as well. I'm sure exact numbers vary from person to person, but it should improve.

Somebody else will probably drop in and talk about RLS and other sleep disturbances which can affect sleep quality.

Regards,
Bill

NightHawkeye wrote:Welcome Mella,

I can tell you that mine went up. It took more than a week to plateau though. From past discussions here dream quality goes up on CPAP as well. I'm sure exact numbers vary from person to person, but it should improve.

Somebody else will probably drop in and talk about RLS and other sleep disturbances which can affect sleep quality.

Regards,
Bill

_________________

Thanks--
I am just anxious that the CPAP (though it was only the one, first night during the titration study) did not seem to put my REM sleep percentage anywhere near the healthy range. I look forward to hearing from others on their experience too!



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