Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders involving unusual behaviours, movements, emotions, or experiences that occur during sleep. These events may happen while falling asleep, during sleep itself, or when waking up. They often involve partial arousals, where the brain is caught between sleep and wakefulness, leading to mixed states. Parasomnias can be harmless, but in some cases, they may cause injury, disrupt sleep, or affect quality of life.
Types of Parasomnias
- Confusional Arousals – waking in a disoriented state, often with little awareness of surroundings.
- Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) – getting up and walking or performing activities while still asleep.
- Sleep Terrors (Night Terrors) – episodes of intense fear, screaming, or thrashing during deep sleep.
- Sleep-Related Eating Disorder – eating during sleep, often with no memory of the event.
- REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) – physically acting out dreams, sometimes violently, due to loss of normal muscle paralysis.
- Nightmare Disorder – frequent, vivid, and disturbing dreams that cause awakenings.
- Sleep Paralysis – a temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking.
- Exploding Head Syndrome – hearing a sudden loud noise when drifting off or waking.
- Sleep-Related Hallucinations – vivid visual or sensory experiences during sleep transitions.
- Sleep Talking (Somniloquy) – speaking or making noises in sleep, usually harmless.
How Common Are Parasomnias?
What Causes Parasomnias?
- Genetics – sleepwalking and night terrors often run in families.
- Stress and anxiety – emotional strain can trigger episodes.
- Medications or substances – stimulants, some antidepressants, and alcohol may play a role.
- Sleep disorders – conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome can contribute.
- Neurological conditions – REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder is sometimes linked to disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
How Are Parasomnias Treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of parasomnia, but approaches may include:
- Improving sleep hygiene – maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting stimulants, and creating a calm bedtime routine.
- Ensuring safety – securing doors and windows, removing obstacles, and making the sleep environment safe, especially in cases of sleepwalking or RBD.
- Therapies – cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation techniques may reduce stress-related triggers.
- Medications – in some cases, melatonin or prescription medicines may be used under medical supervision.
- Sleep clinics – overnight studies may help diagnose the specific parasomnia and guide treatment.
Next Steps For Managing Parasomnias
- Talk to a healthcare provider or sleep specialist – If you or someone you live with experiences sleepwalking, night terrors, or other disruptive sleep behaviours, getting a professional assessment is essential.
- Keep a sleep diary or record episodes safely – Note the time, duration, and type of events to help your doctor understand the pattern.
- Make your sleep environment safe – Remove hazards, secure doors and windows, and create a calm, comfortable bedroom to reduce risk.
- Explore behavioural or therapeutic strategies – Techniques like improving sleep habits, reducing stress, or cognitive-behavioural therapy may help manage episodes.
Parasomnias are often manageable with the right guidance and precautions. By taking these steps, you can improve safety, reduce disruptions, and enjoy more restful sleep.(1)
References
(1) Cleveland Clinic (2023). Parasomnias (Disruptive Sleep Disorders). Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12133-parasomnias–disruptive-sleep-disorders
