Gina Johnson
Moaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while sleeping. Catathrenia is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes people to produce long, involuntary, and loud moaning or groaning sounds during sleep, usually when exhaling. 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, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. If you or someone you know is experiencing moaning in their sleep, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disorder Name | Catathrenia |
| Other Names | Nocturnal Groaning, Sleep-Related Groaning |
| Description | A rare sleep disorder characterised by a long, involuntary moan or monotone groan while sleeping |
| Occurrence | Usually occurs during REM sleep, but can also occur during non-REM sleep |
| Causes | Unknown, but believed to be related to individual factors like dysfunctional neurons in the brain, small upper airways, small jaws, limited airflow upon exhale, low-diversity salivary microbiota, dream-related vocalisations, muscle tension, nocturnal seizures, and emotional processing during sleep |
| Diagnosis | Polysomnography or sleep study, which measures brain waves, heartbeat, and breathing as you sleep |
| Treatment | CPAP, oral appliances, surgery, lifestyle modifications, therapeutic interventions, or medication |
| Harmlessness | Generally harmless, but can be disturbing to bed partners or others who hear the sound |
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What You'll Learn
Catathrenia, a sleep disorder
Catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder, is characterised by moaning, groaning, humming, or making cracking sounds while sleeping. It is also known as "nocturnal groaning". The sounds are typically loud, long, monotone, and made while exhaling, rather than inhaling. They can be very different from other sleep sounds, like snoring or talking. The groaning sounds from catathrenia usually last between two and 50 seconds, although some sources state that they can last up to 49 seconds. These moans primarily occur during REM sleep, but they can also happen during non-REM sleep.
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. It is also thought to be associated with an underlying sleep-associated breathing problem. Catathrenia often starts in childhood and affects young men more than women. It can last for years and may be passed off as harmless, although it can wake up other people.
Diagnosis of catathrenia is usually made via a sleep study called a polysomnogram, which can be done at a sleep centre or at home. The test will show changes in breathing patterns and can record the groaning sounds. Treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and surgery. Sleeping in a more upright position, performing regular aerobic exercise, and yoga and/or meditation focused on steady and regular breathing may also help lessen catathrenia symptoms.
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REM sleep moaning
Moaning in your sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder characterized by long, involuntary moans or monotone groans during sleep. The sleeper is usually unaware of these sounds, which can be very loud and disturbing to others. Catathrenia is generally harmless, but it can be a nuisance to those who share a bed or room with the person experiencing it.
Catathrenia is often associated with breathing problems, such as dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, or inspiratory flow limitation. It can also be accompanied by other breathing pattern changes, such as slow breathing or breath-holding. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be unrelated to psychological or psychiatric stress.
To diagnose catathrenia, a healthcare provider may perform a sleep study called a polysomnogram or polysomnography. This test can rule out other respiratory issues or sleep disorders and measure various body functions during sleep. Treatment options for catathrenia include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), oral appliances, and surgery.
REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is the fourth stage of sleep, characterized by dreaming, memory consolidation, emotional processing, brain development, irregular breathing, elevated heart rate, and increased brain activity. Most adults need about two hours of REM sleep each night. While moaning in sleep can occur during non-REM sleep, it is primarily associated with REM sleep.
In summary, moaning in your sleep during REM sleep could be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare and typically harmless sleep disorder. Catathrenia is characterized by loud, involuntary moans or groans during sleep, often occurring during REM sleep. While it may be a nuisance to others, catathrenia is not typically a cause for concern and can be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider.
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Diagnosis and treatment
Moaning in your sleep is a symptom of a rare sleep disorder called catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning. People with catathrenia make loud moaning or groaning sounds while exhaling during sleep. The sounds can last between two and 49 seconds and can occur during REM and non-REM sleep.
Catathrenia is typically diagnosed through sleep studies, where the distinctive groaning sounds are observed and recorded. A sleep study called a polysomnogram can be used to make an official diagnosis. A sleep centre usually provides this test, which will show changes in breathing patterns and record the groaning sounds. A healthcare provider may also examine the patient's nose, mouth, and throat to identify any possible obstructions to breathing.
Before diagnosing catathrenia, a sleep specialist should rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as sleep apnea, sleep talking, and snoring. Audio recordings are helpful when making a diagnosis, as catathrenia is characterised by audible moaning. Home sleep apnea tests are prone to misdiagnosing catathrenia as central sleep apnea due to their similar sleep study patterns. Therefore, a review of audio recordings in combination with sleep apnea testing is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments are available to reduce nocturnal groaning and improve sleep quality for both the patient and their sleeping partner. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most common treatments for catathrenia. It involves using a CPAP machine and mask to deliver pressurised air into a person's airway to keep it open at night, reducing the chance of snoring and groaning. Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, are another treatment option. These are worn only at night and help to keep the upper airway open.
In some cases, surgery may be an option. If there is an upper airway obstruction, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) or both the tonsils and adenoids (adenotonsillectomy) may be considered. However, not everyone with catathrenia responds to treatment, and it can be challenging to choose a treatment option due to the limited understanding of the disorder's underlying causes.
In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle modifications that may help reduce moaning during sleep. These include practising stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, as well as improving sleep hygiene by developing a consistent nighttime routine. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, exercising regularly, and avoiding daytime napping can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety and stress.
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Moaning in sleep and mental health
Moaning in sleep, or catathrenia, is a rare sleep disorder that involves making moaning or groaning sounds during sleep. While it is not considered harmful to the sleeper, it can cause embarrassment and social problems, as well as affect the sleep quality of bed partners or family members. Catathrenia is characterised by audible moaning or groaning during sleep, typically occurring during exhalation rather than inhalation. These sounds are often described as very loud and distinct from other sleep sounds like snoring or talking. 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 exhalation, and low-diversity salivary microbiota. While it was previously considered a type of parasomnia, which are sleep disorders characterised by behaviours that disrupt sleep, catathrenia is now classified as a sleep-related breathing disorder.
The presence of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and stress, has been a subject of discussion in relation to catathrenia. Some individuals experiencing catathrenia have reported that stress-reducing techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, have helped alleviate moaning during sleep. However, it is important to note that psychological or psychiatric stress is not believed to be the root cause of catathrenia. The disorder is thought to be associated with underlying sleep-associated breathing problems, and in some cases, it may occur as a side effect of drugs given for narcolepsy.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing persistent moaning or groaning during sleep, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Catathrenia can be diagnosed through a sleep study called a polysomnogram, which can identify changes in breathing patterns and record the groaning sounds. Treatment options are available and may include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and surgery. Additionally, addressing underlying medical conditions and practising good sleep hygiene can help improve sleep quality.
It is important to note that moaning in sleep may also be related to other factors such as dream-related vocalisations, muscle tension, nocturnal seizures, or emotional processing during sleep. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting stimulants, and managing stress can positively impact sleep quality and potentially reduce instances of moaning in sleep.
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Moaning in sleep and physical health
Moaning in sleep is usually associated with a rare sleep disorder called catathrenia, which involves making moaning or groaning sounds during sleep. This condition is characterised by a series of prolonged, involuntary, and often loud moaning or groaning sounds occurring during sleep, usually when exhaling. The sounds can be very loud, reaching up to 75 decibels, and can be quite disturbing to those who witness them, such as bed partners or caregivers. However, catathrenia is generally considered harmless and not harmful to the sleeper.
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. It is not associated with any mental health conditions, abnormal movements during sleep, or sleep talking. Catathrenia is also not believed to be caused by psychological or psychiatric stress.
To diagnose catathrenia, a healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study, also called a polysomnogram or polysomnography. This test will measure and record various body functions, including brain waves, heartbeat, breathing, and arm and leg movements, while also capturing any noises and movements made during sleep. In addition to the sleep study, a healthcare provider may examine the patient's nose, mouth, and throat to identify any possible obstructions to breathing.
Treatment options for catathrenia include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and surgery. However, since the exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, it can be challenging to find an effective treatment. Some general recommendations to improve sleep quality and alleviate moaning during sleep include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting stimulants, managing stress and anxiety, and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Moaning in your sleep may be a symptom of catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder.
Catathrenia, or nocturnal groaning, is a sleep disorder that causes people to moan, groan, hum, or make cracking sounds while sleeping. It is characterised by slow, monotone, and loud groaning or moaning while exhaling.
Catathrenia is usually diagnosed via a sleep study called a polysomnogram, which can be conducted at a sleep centre or at home. Treatments include CPAP, oral appliances, and surgery, as well as lifestyle modifications, therapeutic interventions, or medication.
