Can Having Nightmares Be a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can have many side effects that you may not be aware of. One example is the impact it can have on your dreams. Some people with sleep apnea find that they don’t dream at all, but others might start experiencing particularly vivid nightmares. Your dentist is here to explain more about the relationship between sleep apnea and nightmares – as well as what you can do to improve your dreams.

Sleep Apnea and Nightmares: What is the Connection?

Sleep apnea can cause you to have fewer dreams. This is due to the fact that your sleep cycle is being disrupted repeatedly, causing you to spend less time in REM sleep where most dreaming occurs. That said, it’s still possible to have dreams even if you are currently suffering from sleep apnea, and in many cases, those dreams will be nightmares.

So how can sleep apnea lead to more frightening dreams? It likely has to do with the fact that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to the pauses in your breathing. The resulting stress can manifest in your dreams in a number of ways. Many people with sleep apnea end up dreaming about scenarios where they can’t breathe, such as being stuck underwater or in space.

It should be noted that the quality of your nightmares tends to be linked to how advanced your sleep apnea is. If you’re suffering from a severe sleep disorder, your nightmares are likely to be particularly disturbing.

How Can Sleep Apnea Nightmares Affect You?

A particularly bad nightmare can take its toll on your mental state the following day. This can especially be a problem if you have sleep apnea; research has shown that the disorder is often linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Such issues are likely to only grow worse if you are also having nightmares.

What Can You Do to Treat Your Sleep Apnea and Improve Your Dreams?

Successfully treating your sleep apnea should also improve the quality of your dreams. Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can start exploring your solutions. If you don’t want to have to use a CPAP machine, you may want to talk to your dentist to see if oral appliance therapy is a viable solution. A well-made oral appliance can reposition your jaw or tongue to lower the risk of your airway becoming blocked while you’re asleep.

Causing nightmares is just one of the ways that sleep apnea can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Don’t force yourself to live with the disorder; start taking steps today to get the treatment you need to start enjoying more restful nights again.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been practicing dentistry for well over 25 years. He has achieved Diplomate status with The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine; he is quite knowledgeable when it comes to using oral appliance therapy to help patients overcome their sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. St. Clair at his practice in Rowley, visit his website or call (978) 948-2030.