Key Points
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Research suggests catathrenia is a rare sleep disorder involving moaning or groaning during sleep, especially during exhalation.
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It seems likely that the cause involves malfunctioning brain neurons affecting breathing, with possible genetic links.
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The evidence leans toward diagnosing it via sleep studies, with treatments like CPAP machines often effective.
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There is ongoing debate about classifying it as a breathing disorder or parasomnia, reflecting some uncertainty.
What is Catathrenia?
Catathrenia, also known as nocturnal groaning, is a sleep-related breathing disorder where individuals make moaning or groaning sounds during sleep, particularly when exhaling. Unlike snoring, which happens during inhalation, these sounds can be loud and disturbing, often noticed first by sleep partners.
Symptoms and Impact
The main symptom is the production of groaning sounds, lasting from a few seconds to 40 seconds, which can disrupt the sleep of both the affected person and their partner. Some may experience daytime sleepiness or fatigue, especially if sleep quality is affected.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, or polysomnography, to observe breathing patterns during sleep. Treatment options include oral appliances to keep airways open, CPAP machines, and sometimes surgery, with many finding CPAP effective in reducing symptoms.
Unexpected Detail: Genetic Connection
An interesting finding is that having a family member with catathrenia may increase risk, suggesting a genetic component that’s not widely discussed in common sleep disorder literature.
Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Catathrenia
Introduction
Catathrenia, often referred to as nocturnal groaning, is a rare and intriguing sleep disorder characterized by moaning or groaning sounds during sleep, specifically during the expiratory phase. This condition, while not life-threatening, can significantly impact the sleep quality of both the affected individual and their sleep partner. This report aims to provide a detailed examination of catathrenia, covering its definition, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and recent research developments, drawing from a wide range of credible sources to ensure a thorough understanding.
Definition and Description
Catathrenia is classified as a sleep-related breathing disorder, distinct from other sleep phenomena such as snoring and sleep talking. Unlike snoring, which occurs during inhalation, catathrenia is marked by sounds produced during exhalation, often described as long, monotonous groans. These sounds can last from a few seconds to up to 40 seconds and are typically loud, with intensities ranging between 40 decibels (comparable to a cricket) and 120 decibels (similar to a chainsaw) (Health.com). The condition is often first noticed by bed partners, as individuals with catathrenia are usually unaware of the sounds they produce. Historically, it was debated whether catathrenia should be classified as a parasomnia or a respiratory disorder, but the latest International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) categorizes it under respiratory disorders, though this classification remains controversial (Wikipedia).
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of catathrenia is the production of groaning or moaning sounds during sleep, exclusively during expiration. These sounds are characterized by their monotonous nature and can be highly disruptive, with reports indicating they occur nightly and can be heard during both REM and non-REM sleep stages (Cleveland Clinic). Individuals with catathrenia are often oblivious to these sounds, learning about them through complaints from sleep partners, family, or friends. Secondary symptoms may include daytime sleepiness and fatigue, with a 2017 review finding that nearly 45% of people with catathrenia reported feeling sleepy during the day (Health.com). This can affect sleep quality, potentially leading to lighter sleep or frequent awakenings, impacting overall well-being.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of catathrenia remains uncertain, but research suggests it may be linked to malfunctioning neurons in the brain’s respiratory center, specifically the medulla oblongata, which could lead to prolonged exhalation and the characteristic groaning sound (Cleveland Clinic). There is also evidence pointing to a genetic component, with current research indicating a higher risk if someone in the biological family has the condition, an aspect not commonly highlighted in general sleep disorder discussions (Cleveland Clinic). The condition often develops during adolescence or early adulthood, with onset reported between ages 5 and 36 (Wikipedia). It appears slightly more common in males, though some studies suggest a higher prevalence in females, with potential sex-specific differences in episode duration requiring further research (PMC). Associations with other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep bruxism, have been noted, adding complexity to its etiology (ScienceDirect).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing catathrenia typically involves a comprehensive sleep study, or polysomnography, which records brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns during sleep. This allows healthcare providers to observe and document the groaning episodes, distinguishing catathrenia from other sleep disorders like snoring or sleep talking (Sleepfoundation.org). A medical history and physical examination are also crucial, including assessments for craniofacial structure and prior orthodontic interventions, which may indicate underlying airway issues (PMC). The process is essential to rule out other conditions and ensure accurate diagnosis, given the rarity and underrecognition of catathrenia.
Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available to manage catathrenia, aimed at reducing the frequency and intensity of groaning sounds. These include:
Oral Appliances- Devices like retainers to keep the upper airway open, similar to those for snoring (Cleveland Clinic).
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)-Machines delivering a continuous air stream to prevent airway closure, often effective in stopping symptoms (Sleepfoundation.org).
Surgical Interventions-Referral to an ENT specialist for evaluation, potentially including tonsillectomy, if nonsurgical options are ineffective (Cleveland Clinic)
Many individuals find that CPAP machines are particularly effective, with studies showing symptom cessation in a significant number of cases (PMC). Psychological support is also recommended if the condition affects mental health or social well-being, addressing the impact on interpersonal relationships (Cleveland Clinic).
Prognosis and Quality of Life
Catathrenia is not considered life-threatening, and individuals with the condition are often well-rested, though their bed partners may experience disrupted sleep (Baptist Health). With appropriate treatment, many experience a reduction in symptoms, leading to improved sleep quality and overall well-being. However, the social implications, such as disturbances to sleep partners, can affect relationships, highlighting the importance of effective management strategies.
Recent Research and Developments
Recent research has focused on elucidating the clinical characteristics and potential subtypes of catathrenia, with a 2024 systematic review suggesting sex-specific differences, such as shorter episode durations in females, warranting further investigation (PMC). There remains an ongoing debate about its classification, with some viewing it as a parasomnia and others as a sleep-related breathing disorder, reflecting the complexity of its pathogenesis (ScienceDirect). Studies have confirmed that catathrenia can be successfully treated with CPAP, similar to OSA, with research from 2007 and 2017 reinforcing this approach (PMC). Future directions include exploring genetic links and understanding the role of arousal mechanisms, given that over 80% of catathrenia periods are associated with EEG arousals, particularly in REM sleep (PMC).
Conclusion
Catathrenia is a rare but impactful sleep disorder that requires careful diagnosis and management to mitigate its effects on sleep quality and interpersonal relationships. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can seek appropriate medical help, potentially improving their quality of life. Ongoing research continues to shed light on this condition, promising further advancements in its management.
Key Citations
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Wikipedia Catathrenia definition and classification Catathrenia
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Cleveland Clinic catathrenia causes symptoms treatment Catathrenia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
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ScienceDirect catathrenia overview and debate Catathrenia – an overview
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Health.com catathrenia groaning symptoms and treatment If You Groan During Sleep, You Might Have a Condition Called Catathrenia—Find Out More
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Sleepfoundation.org catathrenia diagnosis and treatments Catathrenia: What is Nighttime Groaning and How Do You Treat It?
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Verywellhealth catathrenia causes and management Catathrenia (Sleep Groaning): Causes and Treatment
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Baptist Health catathrenia symptoms and impact Catathrenia Symptoms and Treatment
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Healthline catathrenia safety and treatments Is Catathrenia Dangerous?
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PMC catathrenia REM predominant disorder Catathrenia as a REM predominant disorder of arousal
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PMC clinical characteristics of catathrenia review The clinical characteristic of catathrenia: a new look at an old issue—a systematic review of existing literature
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AASM catathrenia CPAP treatment study New study in the journal Sleep finds that catathrenia can be successfully treated with CPAP
