Parasomnias is an umbrella term for a number of behaviors in sleep that are undesirable and wake-like. All Parasomnias can be triggered by sleep deprivation and illness. Some of the most common Parasomnias include:
1. Confusional Arousals
Confusional arousals are characterized by sitting up abruptly in bed. They are considered a partial awakening. Confusional arousal most often appears in early childhood around the age of two years and tends to decrease after the age of 5 years. The child may appear to be looking around the room but are asleep. The child has no recollection of this behavior in the morning. Typically confusional arousals occur during the first 1/3rd of sleep in NonREM sleep.
2. Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism, usually includes getting up and walking around in sleep. The person may even run in sleep. Sleepwalking tends to happen during the same partial waking as confusional arousal. Sleepwalking can begin as soon as the child is able to walk but may begin at any age. Sleep deprivation and stress can cause sleepwalking. Most sleepwalking episodes are short and uneventful and the sleepwalker can easily be suggested to “go back to bed.” However, some medications like sedative-hypnotics used to treat insomnia can cause longer, more serious episodes.
3. Sleep-Talking
Sleep-talking, somniloquy, is a Parasomnia that involves talking in your sleep. “Talking” is a loose adjective, as these sounds can range from moans and gibberish to whole monologues and conversations. This can happen at any point in sleep.
4. Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)
While sleepwalking and sleep talking may seem jarring enough, some people will binge in front of the refrigerator, usually on highly fatty and caloric foods. Some of the largest risks of SRED are choking, eating something toxic, or interaction with fire hazards. In some cases, SRED has been linked to depression.
5. Sexsomnia
You can have sex, moan, thrust, masturbate, or engage in any other number of sexual activities without any memory because they are occurring during the NREM stage of your sleep. This Parasomnia seems to be related to confusional arousals. While it may not seem serious, you could cause injury to yourself or someone else when experiencing this form of Parasomnia. Receipt or giving of consent is not possible in this state which can also lead to harm.
6. Night Terrors
Night terrors can be one of the scariest Parasomnias for family members. Sleep Terrors typically emerge in children aged 4 to 12 years old but can also emerge in adulthood. The events occur “like clockwork” typically 1-3 hours after falling asleep. The person may be shrieking, kicking, or thrashing, but when he/she wakes he/she has no recollection of the event. They may feel a sense of fear. The recommendation is to NOT intervene during the event as this will increase the intensity and duration of the Night Terror. The person should be calmly directed back to his/her room. Stress, sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, as well as sleep apnea, can be triggers for night terrors. Night Terrors can cause injuries/
7. Nightmare Disorder
Have you ever had a nightmare so scary that it shook you awake? This is a REM Parasomnia known as nightmare disorder. Most of us have a nightmare now and then, but if they become frequent, it can affect the quality of your sleep and your day-to-day life. Usually caused by mental stress and anxiety, it can also be onset by trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some medications result in nightmares as well.
8. Sleep Paralysis
Quite the opposite of confusional arousal, where your cognitive mind is asleep, but your functional mind is wide awake, sleep paralysis can be terrifying. This REM parasomnia is where your conscious mind is very awake, but your body is unable to move for a few seconds or minutes.
9. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is when the person acts out his/her dream. This parasomnia can cause the person to harm themselves or family members. The person does not have any recollection of the event. Most of these parasomnias are usually harmless, however, if these are recurring and of concern to you or other family members, a medical evaluation should be scheduled. Lifestyle changes may need to be implemented such as reducing alcohol intake, sticking to a regular sleep regimen, and seeking a sleep doctor for guidance. A sleep study may be required. You can schedule a detailed evaluation with Dr. Gingras at Gingras Sleep Medicine by calling our office at (704) 944-0562 or request an appointment online at www.gingrassleepmedicine.com/