Nocturnal Groaning Associated with REM Sleep Phenomenon

Nida Fatma Taşcılar; Derya Kaynak; Hakan Kaynak

Nida Fatma Taşcılar¹, Derya Kaynak², Hakan Kaynak²

¹Department Of Neurology, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Faculty Of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey
²Department Of Neurology, İstanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty Of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey

Keywords: nocturnal groaning, parasomnia, sleep, catathrenia, sleep paralysis, REM sleep

Abstract

Scientific BACKGROUND: Nocturnal groaning is described as a syndrome with expiratory monotonous vocalization associated with a respiratory dysrhythmia during sleep. To date, few cases have been reported. Nocturnal groaning is a predominantly REM sleep-related phenomenon, because a great prevalence for REM sleep-related episodes had been observed. Although in some literature it was told that nocturnal groaning was associated with some cases of bruxism and/or sleepwalking, there is no report of nocturnal groaning associated with any other REM related sleep phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: To report the association of REM related sleep phenomenons, such as sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations with nocturnal groaning in a-twenty-year-old girl with excessive daytime sleepiness and to discuss the causes of this association.

MATERIAL-METHODS: Neurological and ear-nose-throat examinations, Epworth sleepiness scale, full-night polysomnography and multiple latency test were done.

RESULTS: The association of nocturnal groaning with the other REM sleep related phenemenons had to be kept in mind and investigated in every patient with nocturnal groaning. By this means, whether the occurence of this association is due to a coincidence or same pathophysiological background could be enlightened.