What does it mean if you moan in your sleep?

What is Nighttime Groaning (Catathrenia)? Nighttime groaning is a sleep-related breathing disorder. Other common sleep-related breathing disorders include sleep apnea and snoring. Catathrenia can be misdiagnosed as central sleep apnea because the sleep study patterns of both are so similar.

sleepfoundation.org - Catathrenia: What is Nighttime Groaning and How Do You Treat It?

What happens to a person who gets no affection?

Specifically, compared to people with less skin hunger, people who feel more affection-deprived: are less happy; more lonely; more likely to...

Last updated Jul 16, 2020

Who is the best wife?

Qualities Of A Good Wife Express your love. Save. ... Communicate. In any relationship, communication is critical. ... Be supportive. Save. ... Be...

Last updated Sep 30, 2019

Promotion

Catathrenia: What is Nighttime Groaning and How Do You Treat It? Written by Danielle Pacheco, Staff Writer Danielle Pacheco Staff Writer Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia. Read Full Bio Want to read more about all our experts in the field? Learn About The Editorial Team Medically Reviewed by Dr. Anis Rehman, Endocrinologist Dr. Anis Rehman Endocrinologist Dr. Rehman, M.D., is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Read Full Bio Want to read more about all our experts in the field? Learn About The Editorial Team Fact Checked Learn More Sleep Foundation Fact-Checking: Our Process At Sleep Foundation, we personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. This hands-on approach allows us to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations for mattresses, pillows, sheets, and other sleep essentials. Guidelines for our testing methodology are as follows: We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. All scientific data and information must be backed up by at least one reputable source. Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources. Some guides and articles feature links to other relevant Sleep Foundation pages. These internal links are intended to improve ease of navigation across the site, and are never used as original sources for scientific data or information. A member of our medical expert team provides a final review of the content and sources cited for every guide, article, and product review concerning medical- and health-related topics. Inaccurate or unverifiable information will be removed prior to publication. Plagiarism is never tolerated. Writers and editors caught stealing content or improperly citing sources are immediately terminated, and we will work to rectify the situation with the original publisher(s) Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. Read our full Advertising Disclosure for more information. Our team of writers, editors, and medical experts rigorously evaluates each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources. We regularly assess how the content in this article aligns with current scientific literature and expert recommendations in order to provide the most up-to-date research. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Products or services advertised on this page may be offered by an entity that is affiliated with us. Learn more about our process here. Nighttime groaning, also called catathrenia, is a rare sleep disorder that causes you to groan loudly in your sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference as you exhale. This nighttime groaning happens almost nightly Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , and you may be unaware that you are groaning. The loud noises you make may be disturbing to a sleep partner or others who hear the sound. The exact number of people who have catathrenia is unclear. Researchers have reported that between 0.17% and 0.4% of people with sleep problems Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference experience the unusual disorder. Because nighttime groaning is so rare, researchers are still investigating the causes and best treatments of the sleep disorder.

What is Nighttime Groaning (Catathrenia)?

Nighttime groaning is a sleep-related breathing disorder. Other common sleep-related breathing disorders include sleep apnea and snoring. Catathrenia can be misdiagnosed as central sleep apnea because the sleep study patterns of both are so similar. Catathrenia also differs from regular snoring because it comes from the larynx, rather than the throat. The groaning or moaning sounds from catathrenia usually lasts between two seconds and 49 seconds. These moans primarily occur during REM sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , but can also happen during non-REM sleep.

How do you make him want you during space?

20 ideas to give a man space to fall in love again Don't call or text but be there. This is all about not panicking and not forcing yourself on him...

Last updated Jan 15, 2022

What does a nice narcissist look like?

Kind narcissistic behavior often looks like the following: not doing one's share of housework, insisting that their work responsibilities always...

Last updated Sep 4, 2019

Promotion

Previously, catathrenia was classified by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as a parasomnia. Parasomnias are unusual or undesirable behaviors Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. See Full Reference that happen while falling asleep, during sleep, or as you wake up. Unlike the parasomnia sleep talking, catathrenia does not involve talking or gibberish during sleep. Experts have noted that catathrenia has characteristics of both sleep-related breathing disorders and parasomnias. Regardless of its classification, catathrenia is a disorder distinct from other parasomnias and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Catathrenia Symptoms

The primary symptom of catathrenia is an almost nightly moaning or groaning sound during sleep that the sleeper does not realize they are making. The sound is often monotone and may be perceived as sullen, gloomy, or sexual in nature Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . The groaning is made when you exhale and stops when you inhale. Both adults and children can experience catathrenia. Typically, family members or sleep partners are disturbed by the sound, which prompts the person with nighttime groaning to seek treatment. Given the low number of cases studied, experts have a limited understanding of other symptoms associated with the disorder. In some case studies, combinations of the following symptoms have accompanied nighttime groaning:

Snoring

Dry mouth

Mouth breathing

Sleep disruption

Fatigue

Morning grogginess

Morning headache

Trouble concentrating

Causes of Nighttime Groaning

The exact cause of nighttime groaning is unclear. Some experts hypothesize that the disorder is related to the neurons in the respiratory center of your brain. If these neurons are dysfunctional, they can trigger prolonged exhaling Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . Other commonalities among people with catathrenia include small jaws, small upper airways, and breathing that remains constant even as you work to breathe more Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , called inspiratory flow limitation. Inspiratory flow limitation often signals a sleep-related breathing disorder. Genetics may also play a factor in the occurrence of catathrenia. One small study of people with catathrenia found that nearly 15% Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference of participants had a family history of the disorder.

Nighttime Groaning Treatments

A number of treatments have been successful in limiting or eliminating nighttime groaning. These treatments range from the use of medical devices to surgeries. People with catathrenia often use multiple forms of treatment to address symptoms of the disorder.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

A CPAP machine is a common form of treatment for people who have obstructive sleep apnea. The medical device delivers pressurized air Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. See Full Reference through a mask you wear as you sleep. This type of therapy ensures the windpipe stays open as you sleep and prevents the airway from collapsing. Small studies have shown that CPAP is an effective therapy for people with nighttime groaning. The use of CPAP in these cases has also been shown to improve alertness in the daytime.

Where do most affairs happen?

The workplace. The workplace is where most affairs begin. It doesn't hurt that we usually dress nicely and are on “good behavior” at work. Plus,...

Last updated Dec 9, 2022

Does long hair make you look fatter?

It is believed that the thicker hair will give the illusion of a fuller, more robust figure. This is not always true because sometimes people with...

Last updated Jun 20, 2020

Promotion

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances used to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can also be an effective treatment for catathrenia. These appliances are worn only at night Trusted Source American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) AADSM is the leading national organization representing dentists who treat sleep-disordered breathing, which includes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. See Full Reference and fit like a retainer. The purpose of the oral appliances is to keep the upper airway open. Removal of the tonsils, called a tonsillectomy, or removal of both the tonsils and the adenoids, called an adenotonsillectomy, provides another way to treat nighttime groaning. Several case studies have shown that these surgeries reduce nighttime groaning symptoms. Researchers note that the treatment is especially effective when a device such as a CPAP machine or oral appliance is also used. Often, people with nighttime groaning do not realize they have the disorder. Instead, a family member or sleep partner may inform them about the sounds they make in their sleep. If you make nighttime sounds that are disturbing to those around you or you experience other symptoms such as disrupted sleep and fatigue, contact your doctor. If possible, record your symptoms and observations of the groaning sounds. These notes can give your healthcare provider a clearer picture of your experiences. Your doctor can then rule out other similar sleep disorders, such as sleep talking and snoring. Diagnosis of catathrenia is typically done with polysomnography, or a sleep test. If you have nighttime groaning, your sleep test may indicate abnormal breathing disturbances and limited airflow. Your doctor may also do a physical exam of your head, neck, jaw, and tonsils to identify possible markers associated with nighttime groaning.

Tips for Better Sleep — For You and Your Partner

To achieve better sleep overall, improve sleep hygiene. Proper sleep hygiene includes Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. See Full Reference :

Keeping a regular sleep-wake schedule, even on the weekends

Creating a sleep-friendly environment that minimizes light and noise

Engaging in relaxation before bedtime, such as taking a bath or reading a book

Exercising during the day

Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening hours

Limiting alcohol intake

If you have nighttime groaning, treatments such as CPAP therapy or surgical intervention might be able to eliminate your symptoms. Alternatively, if the groaning is only a mild disturbance to your bed partner or family, consider investing in sound-reducing accessories. For example, a white noise machine can cover the sound of groans. Sleep partners could also wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. If you're ready for more ⟶ sign up to receive our email newsletter! Your privacy is important to us. Thanks for the feedback - we're glad you found our work instructive! Was this article helpful? Yes No Thanks for the feedback - we're glad you found our work instructive! Submitting your Answer... About Our Editorial Team Danielle Pacheco Staff Writer Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Anis Rehman Endocrinologist MD Dr. Rehman, M.D., is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.

sleepfoundation.org - Catathrenia: What is Nighttime Groaning and How Do You Treat It?

Why is eye contact intimate?

Eye contact helps build intimacy in your relationship. When you look into your partner's eyes and share their feelings and emotions, you connect...

Last updated Jul 15, 2019

What is the rarest flag color?

purple So, what is the rarest color used in flags? The answer is — purple! The color of the kings, the color of wealth and royalty, was by far the...

Last updated Apr 13, 2018

Promotion

What happens to your body when you see someone attractive?

“When you see an attractive person, the left ventral tegmental area of the brain becomes active and will pump out dopamine,” says Helen Fisher, a...

Last updated Jul 22, 2020

Promotion

How does a narcissist behave to his family?

The narcissist does his best to belittle them, hurt (even physically) and humiliate them and then, when these reactions prove ineffective or...

Last updated Dec 17, 2020