Cpap and strange dreams?

Posted by jaliscum @jaliscum, Aug 21 1:39pm

I began using the CPAP machine August 4. It’s been extremely really difficult due to the bizarre dreams every night. I’m exhausted. Has anyone else Experienced this?
I just don’t know what else could trigger it.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 21 2:11pm

Welcome @jaliscum, There is an older discussion you might want to scan through to read what others with similar experiences have shared.
-- Does Sleep Apnea cause weird dreams?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-sleep-apnea-cause-weird-dreams/

I've had some strange dreams on and off even before I started using CPAP so I'm really not sure the CPAP triggers the dreams for me. How long have you been using a CPAP machine?

gloaming | @gloaming | Aug 21 2:17pm

If you really do benefit from PAP therapy, there's a good chance your 'sleep' prior to commencing the therapy was only charitably called sleep. It was disrupted constantly and you almost never had a chance to enter REM state sleep. Now, properly sleeping, you're getting real dreams. You've just forgotten what they're like!
😀

Scott R L | @scottrl | Aug 22 2:36pm

When I first started using a CPAP, I was told to expect some weird dreams, vivid nightmares, and other uncomfortable experiences for maybe a month.

They weren't kidding.

As @johnbishop explained above, your brain has a lot of catching up to do, and it'll take you on some interesting trips for a while.

Mine lasted about three weeks, as I recall (that was 25 years ago). I felt so much better afterwards that the nightmares had been a very small price to pay.

In fact, a year or so later I built one of my most creative and successful projects ever. I could not have done it had I still been so sleep-deprived.

misssuezq | @misssuezq | Aug 23 4:11am

I personally haven’t had issues with dreams but my dad did. He dreaded using his machine it really bothered him. His doctor gave him something to calm him before bed that seemed to help. He only needed the meds for a few weeks while he adjusted to using the machine.