Miya Pearson
Moaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder. People with catathrenia make long, involuntary, and loud moaning or groaning sounds during sleep, typically during REM sleep, without realising they are making these sounds. The cause of catathrenia is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to underlying sleep-associated breathing problems. Treatments for catathrenia include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and tonsillectomy surgeries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the condition | Catathrenia |
| Other names | Nocturnal groaning |
| Cause | Unknown, but may be associated with an underlying sleep-related breathing problem |
| Possible causes | Dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, inspiratory flow limitation, low-diversity salivary microbiota |
| Occurrence | Sporadic episodes, usually during REM sleep, but can also occur during non-REM sleep |
| Sound | Monotone, long, involuntary, loud, moaning or groaning, sometimes high-pitched |
| Effect on the person with catathrenia | Daytime sleepiness and fatigue, embarrassment or stress |
| Treatment | CPAP, oral appliances, surgery, white noise machine, earplugs, headphones, improving sleep environment and posture, reducing stimulants, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Catathrenia, a sleep disorder
Catathrenia, also known as nocturnal groaning, is a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while asleep. The disorder often starts in childhood, with young men being more commonly affected than women. 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 exhalation, and low-diversity salivary microbiota.
The primary symptom of catathrenia is a nightly moaning or groaning sound during sleep, typically lasting between two and 49 seconds, although some sources state that it can last up to 50 seconds or even up to an hour. These sounds are usually monotone and are made during exhalation rather than inhalation. They can be perceived as sullen, gloomy, or even sexual in nature. People with catathrenia are usually unaware that they are making these sounds and may sleep just fine. However, the sounds can be very loud and disturbing to family members or sleep partners, prompting the affected individual to seek treatment.
Catathrenia has been classified as a parasomnia in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2). However, there is ongoing debate about its classification. In the latest version of the ICSD (ICSD-3), catathrenia has been reclassified as a respiratory disorder, reflecting its distinct characteristics from other parasomnias and sleep-related breathing disorders.
The diagnosis of catathrenia is usually made through a sleep study called a polysomnogram. Treatment options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and, in cases of upper airway obstruction, surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. While these treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for catathrenia due to the limited understanding of its underlying causes.
People with catathrenia may experience side effects such as a sore throat, fatigue, and dizziness upon waking. Additionally, about 45% of people with catathrenia report feeling sleepy during the day. Social embarrassment and negative impacts on relationships and sex life may also occur due to the unusual sounds produced during sleep.
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REM sleep moaning
Moaning during sleep may be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while asleep. The primary symptom of catathrenia is an almost nightly moaning or groaning sound during sleep, usually when exhaling (called expiratory groans) rather than inhaling. The sleeper does not realize they are making these sounds, which are often monotone and may be perceived as sullen, gloomy, or sexual in nature. Catathrenia is not believed to be caused by psychological or psychiatric stress, but rather by dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, or inspiratory flow limitation.
Catathrenia is typically harmless, but it can wake up other people. The disorder often develops during adolescence or early adulthood and affects young men more than women. Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery. Before being diagnosed with catathrenia, a sleep specialist should rule out other conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, sleep talking, snoring, or other sleep-related breathing disorders.
REM sleep is the fourth of four stages of sleep, characterized by dreaming, memory consolidation, emotional processing, brain development, relaxed muscles, quick eye movement, irregular breathing, elevated heart rate, and increased brain activity. Most adults need about two hours of REM sleep each night. Moaning during sleep can occur during REM sleep, as this is when dreaming and brain activity are most prevalent. While the causes of catathrenia are still uncertain, it is believed to be a breathing disorder characterized by loud groaning or moaning while sleeping.
While catathrenia is generally harmless, it can negatively affect the sleep quality of those who share a bed with the person affected. Treatment options are available, such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery, but there is no clear understanding of the root cause of catathrenia, making it challenging to find an effective treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing catathrenia, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or sleep specialist for guidance and potential treatment options.
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Treatments for moaning
Moaning in your sleep, or catathrenia, is a rare sleep disorder that involves loud, prolonged vocalizations during breathing in sleep. While the exact causes are unknown, it is believed to be linked to upper airway resistance syndrome, which causes a narrowing of the airway and can result in snoring and breathing pauses. Those with catathrenia may moan, sigh, or groan during sleep, often for extended periods, and are usually unaware of their vocalizations. This can naturally be a concern for bed partners and a cause for embarrassment. Besides the unusual vocalizations, catathrenia does not typically cause other symptoms, and those affected generally sleep well and feel rested during the day. While it is a benign condition, it can cause distress and social issues, so treatment options are available.
The first step in treating sleep moaning is to rule out any underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can have similar symptoms. A sleep study can help diagnose any related conditions and allow doctors to recommend the best course of action. Keeping a sleep diary can also help to track sleep patterns and identify any issues or triggers.
Once other disorders have been ruled out, there are several treatment options for catathrenia. One approach is to address the potential embarrassment and social anxiety that can come with the condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals feel more comfortable discussing their condition and reduce any associated stress or worry. This can also help to improve sleep quality, as worry and stress are common disruptors of restful sleep.
Hypnotherapy is another treatment option that has shown promise in treating catathrenia. This approach aims to address the potential underlying psychological causes of the moaning, such as stress or anxiety, and can help individuals gain more control over their sleep vocalizations. Hypnotherapy for sleep disorders often involves deep relaxation and visualization techniques to help individuals enter a calm, relaxed state, and can provide individuals with tools to self-manage their symptoms.
In some cases, doctors may recommend the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which is also used to treat sleep apnea. While the evidence for its effectiveness in treating catathrenia is limited, it may help to reduce the airway resistance that is believed to contribute to sleep moaning. Additionally, maintaining regular sleep habits and good sleep hygiene practices can help to improve overall sleep quality and may reduce the frequency and intensity of moaning episodes.
Finally, medication may be prescribed in more severe or persistent cases. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of sleep moaning in some individuals. These medications can help to regulate sleep and reduce any associated anxiety or embarrassment, but they may also cause side effects, so they should be used under medical supervision.
It is important to remember that moaning in your sleep is a rare and typically harmless condition. However, for those seeking treatment, a range of options are available, from therapy to medical interventions, which can help to reduce the frequency and impact of sleep moaning. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate any distress and improve overall sleep quality and social comfort.
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Moaning and social embarrassment
Moaning during sleep can be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while sleeping. The disorder is believed to be harmless and is not associated with any mental health conditions or abnormal movements during sleep. However, it can cause social embarrassment and negatively affect relationships and sex lives.
People with catathrenia are usually unaware of their moaning or groaning during sleep, and the sounds are often reported by bed partners, family members, or caregivers who observe the symptoms. The moaning and groaning can be loud and disturbing to those who hear them, leading to social embarrassment and relationship issues.
The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to individual factors such as dysfunctional neurons in the brain that control breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhalation, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. The disorder often starts in childhood and affects more men than women.
Treatments for catathrenia include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery. However, due to the rarity of the condition, there is limited research on effective treatments. Some people with catathrenia may experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which can further contribute to social embarrassment and negatively impact daily functioning.
To alleviate the social embarrassment associated with moaning during sleep, individuals with catathrenia can take steps to improve their sleep environment and mental well-being. This includes creating a comfortable and quiet sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, practising relaxation techniques, and limiting stimulants before bedtime. Additionally, earplugs, headphones, or white noise machines can be used to block out noises and improve the sleep quality of bed partners.
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Diagnosing moaning during sleep
Moaning during sleep is a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder. People with catathrenia make groaning or moaning sounds while exhaling, and these sounds can be very loud and disturbing to those who sleep near them. The sleepers themselves are usually unaware that they are making these sounds.
Diagnosing catathrenia typically involves a sleep study called a polysomnogram or polysomnography. However, this method alone is insufficient to correctly distinguish catathrenia from central sleep apnea, so a video-polysomnography with audio recording is necessary to diagnose catathrenia and avoid mistakes. Before diagnosing catathrenia, a sleep specialist should rule out other conditions, including sleep apnea, sleep-related laryngospasm, snoring, nocturnal asthma, sleep talking, and moaning during epileptic seizures.
A healthcare provider will diagnose catathrenia after a clinic visit, which will include taking a medical history to ask about signs and symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly further testing. Treatments are available to reduce catathrenia symptoms and help improve sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning, is a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while asleep.
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.
The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to individual factors like dysfunctional neurons in the brain, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, and low-diversity salivary microbiota.
Catathrenia is usually diagnosed through a sleep study called a polysomnogram or polysomnography. This study charts your brain waves, heartbeat, and breathing as you sleep and can help rule out other sleep problems like sleep apnea or a parasomnia.
Treatment options for catathrenia include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and surgery. Creating a comfortable sleep environment and prioritizing mental well-being and overall health can also help alleviate symptoms.
