#sleepapnea #dreams #nightmare

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

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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.

references:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10....
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

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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.