Parasomnias are unwanted physical events or experiences that happen while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up.
Key Points:
General Overview:
Parasomnias may include abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions or dreams. The behaviors may be complex and appear purposeful to others, but you are asleep while the behavior is taking place. Often you will have no memory that it occurred. If you have a parasomnia, you may find it hard to sleep through the night. Some parasomnias involve incomplete arousal from deep sleep. Others emerge during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
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Mental confusion or confused behavior that occurs while you are in bed.
Sleep Related Eating Disorder
Out-of-control eating that occurs while you are only partially awake.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
You act out violent, action-packed dreams while you are asleep.
Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis
You are unable to move your body as you are falling asleep or waking up.
Bedwetting
You urinate in your bed while sleeping.
Nightmare Disorder
You have disturbing dreams that cause distress or bedtime anxiety.
Exploding Head Syndrome
You imagine a sudden, loud noise or explosion in your head while falling asleep or waking up.
Sleep Related Hallucinations
You imagine seeing something or someone in your room while falling asleep or waking up.
Sleepwalking
You get out of bed and walk while sleeping.
Sleep Terrors
You sit up in bed with a loud cry or fearful scream
Parasomnias have a genetic basis. Your risk is higher if other family members are affected. Parasomnias also are common in children. Parasomnias can be triggered by sleep deprivation, stress or trauma. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea also can trigger parasomnias.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of parasomnia. These options may include behavioral therapy or medication. Your sleep doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you.
Practicing healthy sleep habits can help reduce the risk of parasomnias:
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Since 1977, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Standards for Accreditation have been the gold standard by which the medical community and the public evaluate sleep medicine facilities. Achieving AASM accreditation demonstrates a sleep medicine provider’s commitment to high quality, patient-centered care through adherence to these standards.
