Miya Pearson
Sleep growling is a phenomenon that can occur in both humans and animals. In humans, it is often associated with a rare sleep disorder called catathrenia, which causes people to groan, moan, or make other unusual noises while sleeping. This disorder is generally harmless but can be disruptive to bed partners or family members. On the other hand, animal growling during sleep is typically attributed to dreams or memories, and it is not usually a cause for concern unless accompanied by aggressive behaviour. In both cases, sleep growling can be distressing to those who experience or witness it, and understanding the underlying causes can help address any concerns.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep growling could be a symptom of catathrenia
The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but research suggests it may be associated with underlying sleep-related breathing problems. Some experts hypothesize that it could be related to dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, resulting in prolonged exhaling. Other possible causes include small upper airways, small jaws, or inspiratory flow limitation, where airflow remains constant despite increased breathing effort.
The primary symptom of catathrenia is the nocturnal groaning or moaning sounds, which can vary in duration from 0.5 seconds to 49 seconds. These sounds usually occur during REM sleep but can also happen during non-REM sleep. They are believed to be caused by a distinct breathing pattern involving deep inhalation followed by protracted exhalation, resembling central apneas. The sounds are often monotone and may be perceived as sullen, gloomy, or sexual in nature.
While catathrenia itself is not considered life-threatening, it can have side effects such as a sore throat, fatigue, and dizziness. Treatment options are available, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and tonsillectomy surgeries. However, due to the rarity of the disorder and limited understanding of its causes, finding an effective treatment can be challenging.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sleep growling or other symptoms of catathrenia, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Catathrenia is a rare sleep disorder
Catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning, is a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make other noises while sleeping. The disorder typically affects young men more than women and often starts in childhood, although it can also begin in adolescence or early adulthood. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with an underlying sleep-related breathing problem. Research suggests that it may be caused by dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, resulting in prolonged exhaling and creating moaning or groaning sounds.
The main symptom of catathrenia is making vocal sounds during sleep, usually moaning or groaning, which occur during exhalation and stop during inhalation. These sounds can last between two and 50 seconds and typically occur during REM sleep, although they can also happen during non-REM sleep. People with catathrenia usually sleep normally and are unaware of their groaning, often learning about it from their sleep partners or family members. The loud noises can be disturbing to others and may cause stress or social embarrassment for the affected individual.
Catathrenia is typically diagnosed through polysomnography, or a sleep test, which can reveal abnormal breathing patterns and limited airflow. A physical exam of the head, neck, jaw, nose, mouth, and throat may also be conducted to identify possible markers and obstructions associated with the disorder. Treatment options are available, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliances, but they may not work for everyone. Sleeping in an upright position, performing regular aerobic exercise, and practising yoga or meditation focused on steady breathing may also help reduce symptoms.
While catathrenia is not considered life-threatening, it can impact sleep quality and interpersonal relationships. The low number of reported cases makes it a rare and poorly understood disorder, with ongoing debates about its classification, pathogenesis, and clinical relevance.
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Catathrenia may be associated with underlying sleep-related breathing problems
Catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning, is a rare sleep disorder that causes people to groan, moan, hum, or make other strange sounds while sleeping. It is characterised by long, involuntary monotone or high-pitched squeaking sounds, often during REM sleep. The groaning sounds typically last between two and 49 seconds and can repeat for a few minutes to an hour. People with catathrenia usually don't remember making these sounds unless informed by a family member or sleep partner.
Catathrenia is classified as a chronic respiratory disorder, and those affected may hold their breath while sleeping. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but research suggests that it may be associated with underlying sleep-related breathing problems. Some experts hypothesise that the disorder is related to dysfunctional neurons in the respiratory centre of the brain. If these neurons malfunction, they can trigger prolonged exhaling. Other potential causes include small upper airways, small jaws, or inspiratory flow limitation, where airflow remains constant even when trying to breathe more deeply.
To diagnose catathrenia, a healthcare provider may perform a physical exam of the head, neck, jaw, and tonsils to identify possible markers associated with nighttime groaning. They may also examine the nose, mouth, and throat for any breathing obstructions. Diagnosis is typically confirmed with polysomnography, or a sleep test, which can indicate abnormal breathing disturbances and limited airflow.
While catathrenia is generally harmless, it can be disruptive to others and may indicate underlying sleep-related breathing issues. Treatment options aim to address the root cause, but the limited understanding of the condition makes it challenging to determine an effective treatment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliances, such as customised mouthpieces, have been found to help in certain cases.
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Sleep paralysis may also cause sleep growling
Sleep growling is a phenomenon that has been anecdotally linked to sleep paralysis. Several people who have experienced sleep paralysis report hearing growling sounds during episodes of paralysis. Some people also report growling themselves while trying to wake up from sleep paralysis.
Sleep paralysis is a condition where a person becomes conscious but is unable to move their body immediately before or after sleeping. During sleep paralysis, people may experience hallucinations and an inability to speak or move. Some people also report hearing growling sounds or feeling a presence nearby during episodes of sleep paralysis.
The exact cause of sleep paralysis is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur during the transition between being awake and asleep, when the brain temporarily paralyzes the body. During this state, some people may experience hallucinations, including hearing growling sounds.
It is important to note that sleep paralysis is not typically considered a dangerous condition, but it can be a frightening experience for those who have it. For some people, sleep paralysis may be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or other lifestyle factors.
While the growling sounds heard during sleep paralysis may seem sinister or supernatural, they are not believed to be caused by demonic or spiritual entities. Instead, they are likely manifestations of the person's own mind or subconscious. These experiences may be interpreted as a sign that something in the person's life is not right, and they may need to address issues related to stress, sleep deprivation, or other lifestyle factors.
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Dogs may also growl in their sleep
Growling in your sleep could be a sign of sleep paralysis. Some people have reported hearing growling noises during sleep paralysis, along with seeing red-eyed demons and feeling a cold presence.
If you need to wake your dog, it is recommended to call their name, clap your hands, or stomp your feet to ensure they wake up before you approach them. You can also train your dog not to snap when waking up by lightly tapping them with a long object and then rewarding them with a treat. Over time, you may be able to wake them with your hand.
Additionally, dogs have superior senses of hearing and smell compared to humans, so they may be reacting to sounds or smells that we cannot perceive. They may also growl due to stress, pain, anxiety, a new environment, discomfort, or protectiveness over their territory. Ensuring your dog has a comfortable bed and a safe, quiet space to sleep can help improve their rest.
If you are concerned about your dog's behaviour, it is best to consult a qualified certified trainer or veterinary behaviourist for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Growling in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder. Catathrenia is characterised by groaning, moaning, or making other strange sounds while sleeping. The exact cause of this disorder is not yet known, but it is believed to be related to an underlying sleep-associated breathing problem.
If you think you might have catathrenia, it is recommended that you see a doctor or a sleep specialist. They may suggest a polysomnography, or sleep study, to rule out other respiratory issues or sleep disorders.
Treatment options for catathrenia include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliances, such as a customised mouthpiece to support the jaw and keep the airway open. There is currently no cure for catathrenia, and the effectiveness of these treatments varies from person to person.
While there is no evidence of animals experiencing catathrenia, it is common for dogs to growl in their sleep. This is usually nothing to worry about and is likely due to them dreaming or reliving a memory.
