What Is Catathrenia?

Catathrenia, also called “nocturnal groaning,” is a rare and relatively misunderstood sleep disorder that is characterized by prolonged groaning sounds made during exhalation while sleeping; unlike snoring, which is caused by vibrations in the throat or nasal passages, catathrenia sounds are usually lower-pitched and occur during exhalation, often lasting several seconds. While it may sound distressing to those who witness it, catathrenia is generally regarded as harmless to the person who experiences it, but it can cause confusion and worry to roommates or sleeping partners.

Understanding Catathrenia

The category of parasomnias, which include odd actions or experiences that take place while you’re asleep, includes catathrenia. It typically occurs during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is characterized by vivid dreams and voluntary muscle relaxation. A person’s breathing slows and they create moaning noises that might vary in duration and severity during a catathrenia episode. While some episodes could go on for more than a minute, others might just last a few seconds.

Because obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring both entail abnormal breathing noises, this disorder is sometimes confused with other sleep-related disorders. But unlike OSA, which interferes with oxygen intake and can cause major health problems, catathrenia usually has no negative effects on oxygen levels or breathing patterns. The majority of persons with catathrenia do not feel tired during the day because the episodes themselves hardly ever wake them up or significantly alter their sleep patterns.

Causes of Catathrenia

There is still much to learn about the precise cause of catathrenia. Since it seems to be related to a defect in the way the brain regulates breathing during sleep, studies indicate that there might be a neurological or respiratory component involved. According to some experts, one possible contributing cause could be a delay in the respiratory feedback loop, which is the body’s breathing regulation process.

Since catathrenia has been known to occasionally run in families, genetics may potentially be involved. Although they are not proven causes, stress and sleep-related problems including erratic sleep patterns or poor sleep hygiene are occasionally mentioned as possible aggravating factors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The actual groaning sound, which usually takes place in the middle of the night, is the main sign of catathrenia. People may also make moaning noises and exhale for a lengthy time, pausing in between breaths. For the person suffering from catathrenia, the sounds may occasionally cause embarrassment or social discomfort because partners may compare them to humming, groaning, or even moaning.

A clinical assessment by a sleep expert is usually required for diagnosis, and the specialist may conduct a polysomnogram (sleep study) to analyze breathing patterns and identify the source of the nightly noises. Other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms but have distinct therapies, such as REM behavior disorder or sleep apnea, can be ruled out with the aid of the sleep study.

Treatment Options

Treatment for catathrenia is frequently unnecessary because it is generally not dangerous. Yet, there are possibilities for treatment for those who feel self-conscious about the problem or who find the sounds bothersome to their partners. A frequent treatment for sleep apnea, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy has demonstrated modest efficacy in lowering the frequency and severity of catathrenia episodes. Mouthguards may be used as part of other treatments to change the posture of the jaw, albeit their efficacy varies.

In certain situations, sleep hygiene techniques including sticking to a regular sleep schedule, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine before bed, and setting up a peaceful sleeping environment may also help lessen symptoms. Counseling and behavioral treatment may provide relief and coping mechanisms for people with chronic cases or social challenges brought on by the illness.

Conclusion pain

Catathrenia is usually a benign ailment that has no effect on the affected person’s health, however it can be upsetting to those who hear it. Seeking guidance from a sleep professional and implementing healthy sleep practices may help control or lessen symptoms for those who are affected by the illness and are suffering social discomfort or distress. We will continue to learn more about catathrenia when new research becomes available, which could result in better therapies for this uncommon but fascinating sleep illness.