sleep apnea leading to lucid dreams/prolonged REM

hello, this is my first post--i have known about lucid dreams for a while, experienced them occasionally----but a couple of months ago, i was treated for sleep apnea with the breathing machine--prior to that, i was mostly staying in stage 1 sleep and occasional REM--once i used the machine, it was like a switch was flipped, now i am in REM virtually the entire time i sleep and each dream, even though i don't control the initial dream, i do have some dream control--sometimes waking up briefly, think about the dream before i fall back asleep and there i go, off again on the same dream. My sleep doctor confirms i am in REM almost all the sleeping time which can range from 8-20 hrs a day---when i am awake, i am totally exhausted--i have other health problems and have a psychiatrist that oversees all my meds---no psych dx other than slight depression from health problems---the psychiatrist agrees with sleep doctor--both said it is very understandable that i am exhausted because the REM doesn't allow me to go lower in sleep and the dreams caused it to be like the psychiatrist says that i am so involved actively in them, it is like i am getting no sleep-, but that i am worn out from activity while i am asleep---but neither doctor has any idea how to help------the dreams are the most vivid i have ever had--usually have two-four that last the entire sleep----- oh, i forgot, i quit using the breathing machine because it's the same now whether i use it or not----any ideas from anyone
thanks, elflight

It's interesting that you brought this up because I was wondering about why we spend so little time in REM. I guess the mind is too active in REM and it needs some quiet time.

Hopefully, someone will be able to help.

Welcome to the Forum!

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Originally Posted by elflight

hello, this is my first post--i have known about lucid dreams for a while, experienced them occasionally----but a couple of months ago, i was treated for sleep apnea with the breathing machine--prior to that, i was mostly staying in stage 1 sleep and occasional REM--once i used the machine, it was like a switch was flipped, now i am in REM virtually the entire time i sleep and each dream, even though i don't control the initial dream, i do have some dream control--sometimes waking up briefly, think about the dream before i fall back asleep and there i go, off again on the same dream. My sleep doctor confirms i am in REM almost all the sleeping time which can range from 8-20 hrs a day---when i am awake, i am totally exhausted--i have other health problems and have a psychiatrist that oversees all my meds---no psych dx other than slight depression from health problems---the psychiatrist agrees with sleep doctor--both said it is very understandable that i am exhausted because the REM doesn't allow me to go lower in sleep and the dreams caused it to be like the psychiatrist says that i am so involved actively in them, it is like i am getting no sleep-, but that i am worn out from activity while i am asleep---but neither doctor has any idea how to help------the dreams are the most vivid i have ever had--usually have two-four that last the entire sleep----- oh, i forgot, i quit using the breathing machine because it's the same now whether i use it or not----any ideas from anyone
thanks, elflight

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Why take off the breathing machine? Don't you still have sleep apnea?

As NASCAR, said, why take it off? I've got sleep apnia too, and use a machine. I've studied it somewhat, and have learned that apnia is no small thing. People die in their sleep; it's hell on other bodily systems, manily your heart. I struggled for months, adjusting to my BiPap and know it's a hassle, but you can get used to wearing it. If you are getting hassled with a mask, try using the "nose buds" instead, it worked much better for me. As to lucidity, I find that since using my machine, I sleep better, and my dream world is very much better. Although not a physician, I've read that with consistancy, your sleep/dream cycles should settle down to "normal" and you should be feeling more rested and have more energy. Good luck and feel free to post me if you want to dialog more about this in the future.

As pointed out by NASCAR and WavyGravy, I understand sleep apnea can be a serious problem--My sleep doctor categorized me as having "moderate" apnea---but also said the only reason he was putting me on the machine ("CPAP") was because of the fatigue I was having and the fact I have other problems--among them multiple sclerosis. He said I didn't have sleep apnea bad enough to have to worry about stopping breathing in my sleep--I don't even have a snoring problem. The sleep doctor does not know how to handle the REM situation; the psychiatrist monitoring all my meds has said the same thing--but from one of my other doctors, I have found out that a drug-Effexor- the shrink put me on could cause "sleep disturbances" and headaches-As far as the sleep machine, I am awaiting a nasal bud one also to replace another type that is too small-the last doctor is supposed to get back with me today about the Effexor (she works in same VA outpatient center as shrink). I have mixed feelings about the REM "overload"---if it wasn't like I got no sleep at all-I would like to keep working on them.

I'm assuming your psychiatrist would warn you if your meds were somehow screwing with your REM. I'm assuming that is not it.

It sounds to me like you are probably just sleeping a lot lighter due to the uncomfortable and unfamiliar machine and new sleep position. You are probably waking up too often to enter a deep sleep. When you don't get enough REM, you start snatching it wherever you can, even in short spurts while just dozing. I had the same problem when I started wearing a mouth piece to keep from grinding my teeth. I was uncomfortable, and found myself just lightly dozing all night.

Like Wavygravy suggested, you probably just need to get used to the machine. I have heard some machines are more comfortable than others. Maybe you could try a different style?