Catathrenia

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Catathrenia, or groaning during sleep, is a parasomnia distinct from somniloquy (talking during sleep). The sound is produced during exhalation as opposed to snoring which occurs during inhalation. It is usually not noticed by the person producing the sound but can be disturbing to sleep partners. There appears to be no physical cause and is not exclusive to dreaming or REM sleep. Bed partners generally report hearing the person take a deep breath, hold it, then slowly exhale; often with a high-pitched "squeek" or groaning sound. Often the groaning occurs toward the end of sleep, within a couple hours of waking. Many speculate about a direct correlation to high stress.