From time to time, almost everyone experiences nightmares. Waking up with a racing heart and adrenaline pulsing through you is no fun at all! Plus, particularly bad nightmares can set the wrong tone for your entire day. Unfortunately, people with sleep apnea are often more prone to experience nightmares than the general population. What explains this connection, and what can you do to achieve better, more pleasant sleep? This blog post provides helpful information.
Sleep Apnea: The Basics
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This interruption can cause the brain to receive less oxygen, which disrupts the natural sleep cycle. People with sleep apnea often wake up multiple times throughout the night, even if they do not remember doing so.
Sleep apnea has several effects on overall sleep quality, including:
- Frequent awakenings or arousals during the night
- Daytime fatigue and lack of focus
- Increased risk of other health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
- Greater likelihood of experiencing nightmares and vivid dreams
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Nightmares
Research suggests there is a significant link between sleep apnea and the frequency of nightmares. When breathing stops during sleep, the body enters a state of stress. This can cause the sleeper to wake abruptly, sometimes in the middle of a dream or nightmare (this usually happens during the REM stage of the sleep cycle). As a result, the nightmares may seem more intense and memorable.
Additionally, due to breathing disruptions, some people with sleep apnea have dreams that feature suffocation or asphyxiation.
Another factor that comes into play is anxiety. Often, poor quality sleep can interfere with emotional regulation and increase anxiety. Ongoing emotional distress can increase the frequency and intensity of bad dreams.
How to Achieve More Pleasant Sleep
You do not have to let sleep apnea hijack your dreams! There are steps you can take to improve your sleep quality and reduce nightmares related to sleep apnea. Here are some strategies to try:
- Consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. Once you know for sure that you have sleep apnea, you can learn about your treatment options.
- Stick to your treatment plan. There are several different ways to treat sleep apnea. Whichever path is recommended to you, be sure to comply with treatment directions.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This can support a healthy Circadian rhythm and promote high-quality sleep.
- Address other issues that might be contributing to your nightmares. For example, if your bad dreams are related to anxiety, PTSD, or other factors, you may need to visit a mental health professional for assistance.
Bad dreams are a bummer! Do all you can to address sleep apnea so you can start enjoying more pleasant, more restful sleep.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Russell Teasdale has been practicing dentistry for more than 40 years. He has a special interest in helping patients achieve long-term relief from sleep apnea via treatments like Vivos appliances and laser therapy. To learn more about these options or to request a consultation, contact Evolution Dental at 503-974-3829.