What is parasomnia?
Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that disrupts your sleep through abnormal movements, talking, or actions. Parasomnias are typically broken into the stages of sleep in which they occur. These stages include non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM)
Parasomnias that occur during Non-REM sleep are called arousal disorders. These disorders occur during the first three stages of sleep and involve physical and verbal activity. Patients who are between the ages of five and 25 are most often affected by Non-REM parasomnias. These disorders include:
- Sleep terrors
- Sleepwalking (or eating)
- Confusional arousals (appear to be partially awake but confused)
Rapid eye movement (REM)
Parasomnia episodes that occur later in the night are part of the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During the REM, dreams occur and those that experience parasomnia during this time are usually able to recall part of the event. These parasomnias include:
- Nightmare disorder or vivid dreams
- Recurrent sleep paralysis
- REM sleep behavior disorder (RSBD) (most common among older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease or stroke)
What causes parasomnia?
Parasomnias can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Irregular sleep-wake schedules
- Incomplete transitions during sleep stages
- Medications
- Underlying medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, and restless leg syndrome
- Fever
- Stress
- Pregnancy or menstruation
- Neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, migraines, dementia, stroke, and multiple sclerosis
- Head injury
- Genetics
- Alcohol or substance abuse
What are symptoms of parasomnia?
Symptoms of parasomnia can vary based on the specific type, but most commonly include:
- Tiredness during the day
- Waking up confused
- Difficulty sleeping
- Movements or vocalizations during sleep that you don’t remember.
How is parasomnia diagnosed and treated?
Along with evaluating your medical history and symptoms, parasomnia may be diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnogram). Other tests, such as CT, MRI, and EEG can help healthcare professionals evaluate brain activity and health.
Maintaining a healthy sleep routine and schedule can be one of the best ways to manage and treat parasomnia. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can also help manage the condition. While Non-REM parasomnia typically isn’t treated with medication, REM parasomnias may respond to melatonin or clonazepam.