Help/advice on other sleep issues

[Davidacarrick]

Ok so I’m a CPAP user and have OSA.

What’s bothering me is that I have really vivid dreams and sometimes kick out, punch, talk etc in my sleep. Last night I apparently kicked my partner 3 times while I was in a deep sleep and I feel terrible about this today.

I take medication so not sure If linked to that 
- venlafaxine
- sodium valproate
Medication for bipolar disorder.

But I’ve also done some research and REM sleep behaviour disorder is showing up. Worrying me most is that REM Sleep behaviour disorder is linked to Parkinson’s disease which is in my family.

[Dormeo]

OK, here's what Dr. Google says, but the big takeaway is that you need to talk with your actual doctor.

I googled your two named meds, and I see that "strange dreams" is listed as a possible side effect of venlafaxine. I also see that sodium valproate can interact with SSRIs like venlafaxine, though I'm sure your doctor has this in mind. Patients are cautioned not to discontinue venlafaxine without consulting their doctors.

On the Mayo Clinic web site, I see that REM sleep disorder can be caused by "taking certain medications, especially newer antidepressants, or the use or withdrawal of drugs or alcohol." And as you say, this disorder may indicate potential for Parkinson's.

So, I strongly recommend that you talk with you doctor about your REM activity. If you your and your doctor can review your original sleep study, that could be helpful.

[Davidacarrick]

That’s great thanks for the reply. I’m back at the sleep clinic tomorrow but think it’s just a nurses appointment but might try see if the doctor will fit me in for a chat

[PaulaO2]

Are you looking at your data? It could be your pressure isn't adequate and you aren't going deep enough into REM sleep.

OR, if you are new to CPAP, it could be your dreaming is your brain having a party now that you ARE getting REM sleep.

Prior to CPAP, I used to have very lucid dreaming. It was a nightly game to me almost. But once I started CPAP, my brain said "HA! Take this!" and wow, the dreams I had! This lasted for several months until it settled down. There were a lot of nightmares.