Dream Content Alalysis at the Initiation of CPAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) increases dream recall and alters dream content. In 38 patients, the first night of CPAP treatment raised REM sleep from 16.7% to 26.8%, increased dream recall from 57.9% to 94.2%, and boosted thematic units (1.36 to 1.82) and word count (30.52 to 45.22). Unpleasant dream content dropped from 50% to 37.5%. The findings suggest that CPAP initiation triggers a REM rebound that enhances dream quantity and shifts emotional tone.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep, causing intermittent asphyxia and sleep fragmentation. The goal of this study was to assess dream content analysis before and during the first night of treatment for OSAHS using Continuous Positive Pressure (CPAP). We included 38 patients diagnosed using complete overnight polysomnography (PSG), who received CPAP therapy during a second night under PSG. Dream content (word count, thematic units, and emotional content) and the percent of REM sleep were analyzed after both nights. There was an increase in the percent of REM under CPAP (from 16,7% to 26,8%). There was an increase in the number of thematic units (1,36 without CPAP versus 1,82 under CPAP) and in the word count (30,52 without CPAP versus 45,22 under CPAP) and a change in the dream content (unpleasant content in 50% without CPAP versus 37,5% under CPAP). Under CPAP, more patients recalled their dreams than without CPAP (94,2% versus 57,9%). In conclusion, at the initiation of CPAP for OSAHS, there is a rebound of REM sleep associated with a quantitative increase in dream recall and a change in dream content.