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Does Sleep Apnea cause weird dreams?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Mar 7, 2022 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Does anyone here have sleep apnea? I do and I have the worst nightmares. I use my CPAP regularly, and am on Clonapin for nightmares, which is not working for me. My nightmares are so bad, I walk around, throw stuff, fall down, etc. This happened to me last night AGAIN, and I really hurt my neck, back and side. I am scheduled for an appointment to see a Neurologist on the 4th of January, hoping she can figure this out. I also have a raging headache most days. I just can't deal with this anymore. Any suggestions? I can't take melatonin, as it GIVES me more nightmares.
Replies to "Does anyone here have sleep apnea? I do and I have the worst nightmares. I use..."
Hello @loribroda, I've been using a CPAP regularly for about 3 years. I had what you might call vivid dreams or nightmares off and on even before using a CPAP. I still might have one once in awhile but they aren't as regular and often. Here are a couple of articles on using CPAPs and dreams that I thought you might find interesting and maybe helpful.
— Changes in dreaming induced by CPAP in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17118100/
— The Mind Revealed: Learn More About Sleep Apnea Dreams and Nightmares: https://www.cpap.com/blog/sleep-apnea-dreams-and-nightmares/
Here's an article that has a few things to try that might be helpful.
-- What causes vivid dreams? - Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325396
One of the things mentioned that really has helped me is setting a regular time for going to bed and waking up. Also avoiding coffee and exercise just before going to bed.
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You're not alone, Lori. Fellow members @jjspokane61 @mygrain316 and @macjane have also mentioned having nightmares and apnea. I moved your question to this existing discussion so that you can connect with them.
I'm glad to hear that you have an appointment with a neurologist coming up very soon. I look forward to hearing what you learn. In the meantime, maybe we can help you come up with good questions to ask at you appointment. What do you plan to ask her?
I have a couple of questions for you. How long have you been using a CPAP? Did you have nightmares before using the machine? Are the headaches new or recent?