Sleep Disorder

@zubedude sounds like you may need to do a sleep study.

Yes, there is a strong suggestion, using our own words posted above, that you may have sleep apnea or a sleep disorder. You can ask for a polysomnography, an overnight sleep lab where they wire you up with zillions of leads, including on your limbs and several into your scalp (stuck, not drilled), and there's even a video camera to catch any movements or vocalizations. You hopefully feel secure enough in that setting to sleep for several hours, and then you'll get a report from a sleep specialist about the findings. From there, you decide what you want to do about anything you've learned.

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

You definitely need to get a sleep study ASAP. My kids in our Youth Group, whenever we had a sleepover would comment that “ you stop breathing and then gasp for air”. I would promptly forget about it after we got involved in the day’s activities, but the kids didn’t, and they talked to my husband about it. He stayed up watching me sleep (or try to), and informed me that I was “constantly stopping breathing and my legs were thrashing frequently”. I called the family doctor and they got me in for an overnight sleep study, which showed that I had treatable sleep apnea - which required CPAP - and also severe restless leg syndrome, which required a high dose oral med.
All of this oral garbage had a purpose - you need to listen to what those around you recommend, whether a family member or a friend here. We’ e experienced much of what you are going through and can offer clear advice. Hope you can get this resolved soon.

Hello all, here is my story/problem:
I was once diagnosed with Apnea (did overnight tests throughout the years) and the most recent one last fall showed very low numbers. My pulmonologist said "the numbers were so low it's like you no longer have sleep Apnea". BTW, I have tried the CPAP twice over the last decades (cannot tolerate the hose, noise, wet and strong forced air in my nose) , but found that I was probably "cured" with the special oral device that only special dentists know how to to fit, and the fact that I lost weight.

I fall asleep very quickly, but my main issue is the crazy dreams (sometimes nightmares) that keep me from getting a good nights sleep, and never feeling refreshed upon waking. He then used the rare term "REM somnia" (google it- interuptions all night) and suggested a psychiatrist; all she did was experiment with different meds for this disorder. I have tried the below meds to no avail:

Trazodone - 150mg (a little better than 50mg and not sure I want to increse the dosage)
Seroquel 25 mg - at first yes, then no
Prazosin 1 mg - not effective (for nightmares)
Doxepin 150mg - improves sleep cycle

She even suggested mixing (experimenting) together with various combinations...really!?!

I DO keep my room very dark
I DO block outside noise with closed windows (and the fact that I am going deaf in one ear!)
I DO wear a comforatable night mask
I DO keep the room tempurature a bit cooler
I HAVE tried melatonin, valerian, even CBD gummies (and grandma's warm milk solution!)
I do NOT drink alcohol or eat heavy food before going to bed
I do NOT have either breathing or high BP issues
I DO get 7-8 hours

All I want is to lessen the times I am in REM, so I can lessen these damn interupting dreams, and wake up refreshed. I have seen a therapist for stress related experiences, and have an appointment with an ear doctor (maybe there is something other MDs are missing?), but I appreciate any feedback in this forum.

thanks.

@danilo1m REM is important for brain health, but most of us don't have more than 18-25% REM of total sleep time. Do you know that you have a higher percentage than around 20+%? I understand that it's the nature of your dreams that is objectionable, but you still need REM sleep. Some medications reduce REM, but that is an unfortunate side effect.

Yes, the meds I tried were supposed to help calm the REM activity. I do not know my percentage.

Lastly, today I bought a large bottle of CVS Daily Fiber Capsules (psyllium husk) but I understand it can get clogged if not taken with a lot of water. Fingers crossed.