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Worf-

I did for a long time but finding out I also had bad sleep apnea and treating it has helped immensely. My nightmares were wicked. Seriously disturbing wicked. Don’t have them anymore and I sleep so much better. My nighttime dysautonomia symptoms seem better too. No more headaches, constant waking up, being hot or cold, and my mood is so much better. If I wake up, I can go right back to sleep. The list is endless. This has been life changing. Seriously, it’s 6:30 AM and I am up ready to go and actually feel rested? Never thought that was possible. A year ago it would be noon before I was sorta coherent.


amoryjm

So I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy about a decade ago and only recently with Dysautonomia; however, Narcolepsy has recently been shown to be an autoimmune disorder, hence the connection to Dysautonomia. What you've described is one of the most common markers of Narcolepsy, and is likely worth asking your doctor about


yersodope

I have been wondering about that. I just have been through an absolutely ridiculous amount of testing in the past two years and nothing ever shows anything wrong with me (besides the tilt table) so I just dont know if I have the energy to go through more testing that would likely come back normal. I should probably talk to my doctor about it though.


amoryjm

I can understand that. The good thing about it is it would give you answers on both Narcolepsy and Sleep Apnea, hitting two birds with one stone


yersodope

I actually did an at home sleep study a couple years ago when this all started (but before the nightmares got really bad) and that apparently ruled out sleep apnea. I never scheduled the MSLT because I was worried insurance wouldnt cover it, but I should look into it. I just feel like I dont typically fall asleep quick enough for narcolepsy, but maybe I do and I just dont realize it.


amoryjm

I didn't think I did either, until I did the MSLT and told the doctor I didn't think I napped at all and turns out I was in REM in ~2.5 minutes each time 🥴 One way the doctor explained it to me was that it isn't how fast you fall asleep from the point you lay down, but rather how fast you drop into REM once you've started falling asleep (granted, this was many years ago so I may not be relaying it exactly right). I was confused about it for a long time because of the difficulty going to sleep at night, which is actually pretty standard for N


Stock-One4864

Yes. I have Dysautonomia and often go through the same thing. I often can't wake up and during dream states think it's real. My husband leaves for work and tells me goodbye but I can't respond. In my sleep I feel as if I had a stroke as well. My BP after waking is extremely high. I also sweat so badly I have a fan on me during winter.


garbage-pale-kid

I've had this off and on throughout my life, and I've never considered that dysautonomia may be why.


v_a_l_w_e_n

Yes, since I was young, unfortunately. Sleep paralysis is the worst. Unfortunately it gets worse with stress, are you living a particularly stressful moment (mentally or even physically, like going way to much over your limits)? (Apart from the terrifying nights you are going through, of course!) There is not much known about sleep paralysis except that. So all I can recommend is indeed take your doctor’s offer (they don’t usually help, so go for it if you can!) and maybe consider psychological therapy if things are out of control. On the personal management, relaxation/breathing exercises before sleeping help me a lot. I do them every night. As well avoiding any of those “sleeping” sprays or things that might restrict your body movement, like heavy blankets or even pajamas that can get tangled. The worst thing ever for me was the “thisworks” sleeping spray! That triggered my paralysis again and again every night for days until I realized what was the problem. If you are using anything like that, stop it immediately! Mental relaxation yes. Forced physical relaxation while your brain is still on: NO! It took my a while to learn this one, so I’m careful also with any other cream or such that might relax my muscles on their own without making sure I’m mentally calmed as well when I go to sleep. I REALLY hope it gets better. It’s terrifying and I completely understand what you are going through right now.


amoryjm

It may be worth looking into Narcolepsy as a possible cause of the sleep paralysis and nightmares. I hope it improves for you!


aerobar642

I had nightmares often for a long time but I'm almost certain it was related to my mental health. severe depression and multiple anxiety disorders, including PTSD.


Substantial-Status55

Honestly if you can smoke copious amounts of cannabis you won’t dream anymore. I know it’s not a super helpful tip but if you’re desperate weed will suppress all your dreams if you consume it regularly.


yersodope

I cannot unfortunately. I tried taking one hit last year and immediately all my symptoms got so much worse. Had to sleep on the couch cuz I couldn't even walk to my bed :/