Groaning In Sleep: What Your Body Is Trying To Tell You

Sleep groaning, medically known as catathrenia, is a rare sleep disorder that causes loud groaning while a person is asleep, usually during exhaling. The groaning sounds are often mistaken for snoring, but the two differ in that snoring occurs during inhalation, while sleep groaning occurs during exhalation. Sleep groaning is generally harmless, but it can lead to non-refreshing or frequently interrupted sleep, which has been linked to Alzheimer's.

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Catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning, is a rare sleep disorder

Catathrenia is a typically harmless sleep disorder, but it can wake up other people and be quite startling. It is often misdiagnosed as sleep apnea because the symptoms are so similar, but unlike sleep apnea, people with catathrenia do not have decreased oxygen levels during sleep. The groaning sounds in catathrenia come from the larynx or voice box, rather than the throat.

The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as dysfunctional neurons in the brain's respiratory centre, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. Genetics may also be a factor, with nearly 15% of people experiencing catathrenia having a family history of the problem.

Catathrenia is usually diagnosed through a sleep study called a polysomnogram or polysomnography, which can rule out other respiratory issues or sleep disorders. Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery, although the condition is typically not cured by CPAP use.

It is generally harmless but can be disruptive to bed partners

Groaning in your sleep is generally harmless, but it can be disruptive to bed partners. The medical term for sleep groaning is catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes loud groaning while a person is asleep, usually during exhaling. People with catathrenia are often unaware that they are groaning, and it is usually their bed partners who alert them to the problem. The groaning sounds can be startling to those who hear them and may wake up other people.

Catathrenia is characterised by a long, involuntary moan or monotone groan during sleep, and it may sound like a high-pitched squeak. It typically occurs during REM sleep, the deepest level of sleep when you consolidate memories and dreams. Groans can last between two seconds to 49 seconds, and in some cases, up to a minute. The sounds are distinct from snoring as they are made exclusively while exhaling, and the vocal cords vibrate, so the sound comes from the voice box.

The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. Some researchers suspect that neurological dysfunction in the brain's respiratory centre causes excessive exhaling, and genetics may also play a role, with a family history of the condition found in nearly 15% of cases.

While catathrenia is generally harmless, it can cause issues if it leads to interrupted sleep. If bed partners are disturbed by the groaning sounds, there are some steps that can be taken to mitigate the disruption. Using a white noise machine can help block out the noises, and in some cases, sleeping in separate rooms may be considered. Treatment options for catathrenia include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery, but these treatments do not work for everyone.

Sleep apnea and catathrenia share similar symptoms and treatments

Groaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder. Catathrenia is characterised by monotonous, irregular groans while sleeping, usually during the REM stage of sleep. The medical name for sleep groaning is catathrenia, and it is classified as a parasomnia or a chronic respiratory disorder. It is generally harmless but can be startling, especially if the person is unaware they are doing it.

Catathrenia shares some similarities with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is also a sleep disorder that involves pauses in breathing while asleep. Sleep apnea and catathrenia are often confused due to their similar symptoms. People with sleep apnea may also groan in their sleep, and both disorders involve abnormal breathing patterns.

The exact causes of catathrenia are unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as dysfunctional neurons in the brain, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. Similarly, sleep apnea is caused by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, often due to obstructions in the airways. Sleep apnea can be caused by craniofacial abnormalities, where the structure of the face obstructs the natural flow of air during exhalation.

Treatments for catathrenia include CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgery. CPAP machines are also used to treat sleep apnea, as they help to keep the airways open during sleep. Oral appliances are another treatment option for both disorders, as they help to keep the upper airway open.

Diagnosis is usually made via a sleep study or polysomnogram

Groaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder. Catathrenia causes you to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while sleeping. The groaning sounds are made during exhalation, and the sleeper usually takes a deep breath in before making a long, monotone groaning or moaning sound. The groans can last anywhere from 2 seconds to a minute.

Catathrenia is generally harmless, and most people with the disorder sleep just fine. However, it can be disruptive to others and may wake up people sleeping in the same room. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as:

• Dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing
• Small upper airways
• Small jaws
• Limited airflow upon exhale
• Low-diversity salivary microbiota
• Genetics
• Craniofacial abnormalities

Diagnosis of catathrenia is usually made via a sleep study or polysomnogram. A polysomnogram can help rule out other respiratory issues or sleep disorders and measure several body functions while the patient is sleeping. These include:

• Brain waves
• Heart rate and rhythm
• Blood oxygen levels
• Eye and leg movements
• Breathing patterns

A sleep specialist will also examine the patient's nose, mouth, and throat to identify any possible obstructions to breathing. Treatment options for catathrenia include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery.

Treatments include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery

Groaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes you to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while sleeping. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as dysfunctional neurons in the brain, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. Catathrenia is generally harmless but can be disruptive to those sleeping nearby.

If you are concerned about sleep groaning, there are several treatment options available. Treatment options for catathrenia typically target the root cause, which is often related to breathing problems. Here are some of the treatments available:

• CPAP therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy involves using a machine to deliver mild air pressure and improve airflow, keeping your breathing airways open. While CPAP is considered the best treatment for improving airflow, some people may find it challenging to use consistently.
• Oral appliances: Oral appliances, also known as oral appliance therapy, are dental devices or mouthpieces that pull your jaw or tongue forward, opening your airway and improving breathing. They are typically recommended for those who cannot use CPAP machines or prefer an alternative treatment. Oral appliances may not be as effective as CPAP in improving airflow, but they can improve symptoms and are convenient for travel.
• Surgery: Surgical interventions are generally considered a last resort for sleep-related breathing issues. Surgeries may involve procedures on the nose, mouth, or throat to prevent airway blockages. For example, jaw surgery can change the position of the jaw to prevent soft tissue from pressing back on the airway, while nasal surgery can straighten the soft tissue to facilitate easier breathing.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist or a dentist, to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific condition and circumstances.

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