All about parasomnia
Parasomnia, also known as sleepwalking or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder characterized by unusual movements during sleep. People with parasomnia may walk around or even do strange things while they are sleeping. Learn everything about parasomnia in this article, including the causes, symptoms, and types of this sleep disorder.
What is parasomnia?
The term parasomnia refers to unusual and undesirable behaviors that occur during sleep. Parasomnias are more common during childhood and become less frequent during adulthood. The distinct conditions that make up the spectrum of parasomnias are classified predominantly into rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep parasomnias, based on when they occur during sleep.
Most people do not seek medical attention for sleep disorders, and many parasomnias cease over time, but for those people who do present to primary care, treatment options include environmental, psychological, physiological and, in severe cases, pharmacological management.
Parasomnia causes
According to the National Sleep Foundation, parasomnia is a category of sleep disorders that involves abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep. These can include nightmares, sleepwalking, and bedwetting.
Parasomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and having a first-degree relative with a parasomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movements, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, mental health conditions, chronic pain conditions, certain medications, such as sedatives, alcohol use disorder, and substance abuse (addiction) or withdrawal.
For some people, parasomnia can be frustrating and embarrassing. However, there are treatments available that can help manage the condition.
Parasomnia symptoms
Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that can cause a person to have difficulty staying asleep, or to feel like they are not getting enough sleep. It can also cause people to have problems with their thinking and coordination skills during the day.
Some common symptoms of parasomnia include: involuntary behaviors, such as moving, speaking, or walking around during sleep, waking up in a state of confusion, inability to move or speak when waking up or drifting off to sleep, unfamiliar bruises, cuts, or other wounds, and excessive daytime fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor in order to get diagnosed and receive treatment.
Parasomnia types
Parasomnias include a wide range of abnormal behaviors, such as walking or talking during sleep. They can occur during any sleep stage and discussed below are the most common types of this sleep disorder.
Confusional arousal
Confusional arousal type of parasomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by confusion and disorientation upon awakening. This disorder can occur during any stage of sleep, but it is most common during the transition from deep sleep to light sleep.
People who suffer from confusional arousal often have difficulty understanding where they are and what is happening around them. They may also exhibit signs of agitation, such as shouting or struggling against restraints. Confusional arousal can be dangerous if left untreated, as it increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a type of parasomnia that occurs when a person grinds, gnashes, or clenches their teeth. It can be a very mild problem that goes unnoticed, or it can be a more serious condition that results in dental problems or headaches. The cause of teeth grinding is not fully understood, but it may be related to stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, dental work, or medications.
Sleep-related groaning
Sleep-related groaning is a type of parasomnia, which is a disorder that causes abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep. This disorder can cause people to make strange noises during their sleep, including moaning, groaning, and even screaming.
These sounds can often be loud and disturbing, and can wake up both the person with the disorder and their sleeping partners. While the cause of this condition is not yet known, it is believed to be related to problems with the brain’s regulation of sleep. Treatment options include medications and behavioral therapy.
Nightmares
Nightmares are a type of parasomnia, a sleep disorder that causes abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep. Nightmares are most common in children, but can occur at any age. They usually last a few minutes, but can sometimes continue for up to 30 minutes.
Nightmares may be caused by emotional stress, anxiety, or traumatic experiences. Treatment involves medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as “behavioral sleep therapy”, has been found to be more effective than medication at treating nightmares.
Night terrors
Night terrors are a type of parasomnia, a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep. They are characterized by episodes of intense fearfulness and autonomic arousal, usually accompanied by screaming, sweating, and rapid heart rate.
Night terrors usually occur in the first few hours of sleep, and most people do not remember them the next morning. They can be very frightening for bed partners, who may witness the person thrashing around and screaming in terror.
To differentiate, nightmares and night terrors are both types of dreams, but they are different. Nightmares are caused by fear or anxiety and usually occur during the second half of the sleep cycle. They often involve vivid images and a feeling of terror. Night terrors, on the other hand, are caused by deep sleep and usually occur in the first half of the sleep cycle. They involve intense fear and confusion, and people may scream or sit up in bed.
Sleep talking
Sleep talking, also known as somniloquy, is a sleep disorder that causes a person to speak aloud during their sleep. Sleep talking can occur during any stage of sleep, but is more common during REM sleep hence it is considered as part of REM sleep behavior disorder. Although it can be alarming to wake up and hear someone talking in their sleep, most people who sleep talk are completely unaware of their behavior. Sleep talking is generally harmless and does not require treatment unless it is causing problems for the individual or their bed partner.
Bedwetting
Bedwetting, also known as enuresis, is a type of parasomnia that causes involuntary urination during sleep. It is the most common form of parasomnia and can affect people of any age. Bedwetting usually occurs when the person is in a deep sleep and has little or no control over their bladder muscles. There are several different causes of bedwetting, including genetics, nerve damage, bladder problems, and low levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Treatment options include medications, surgery, and behavioral therapy.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that causes people to walk or perform other activities while they are asleep. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the deepest stage of sleep, which is called slow-wave sleep. It may be accompanied by hallucinations, confusion, and amnesia. Most people who sleepwalk do not remember doing so the next morning.
Diagnosing a parasomnia
If you think you might have a parasomnia, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis.
In order to determine what is causing your parasomnia, a sleep medicine specialist will often ask you to complete a sleep diary for two weeks. This will give the specialist clues as to what might be causing your problems.
You can also rate your sleep with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This will help show how your sleep is affecting your daily life. The sleep medicine specialist will need to know your complete medical history. Make sure to tell the physician of any past or present medications and if you have ever had any other sleep disorder.
A sleep medicine specialist may want to examine your sleep using an in-lab sleep study. Also known as a polysomnogram, a sleep study charts your brain waves, heart beat and breathing as you sleep. It also looks at how your arms and legs move and records your behavior during sleep on video. This will help show if you get out of bed and do anything unusual during your sleep study.
Parasomnia treatments
Treatments may vary according to the type, frequency, and severity of a person’s symptoms. In the first instance, a doctor must identify any underlying health conditions or sleep disorders. Treating an existing condition may also treat the resulting parasomnia. Some of the most common treatments for this sleep disorder are cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, and home available treatments.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including parasomnia. CBT helps people learn how to change their thoughts and behaviors in order to feel better. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for parasomnia, and can help people learn how to manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of injury.
Medication
Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that involves abnormal behavior or movements during sleep. There are many different medications that can be used to treat parasomnia. Some of the most common medications include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and melatonin. These medications are effective in treating parasomnia because they help to suppress abnormal brain activity.
However, benzodiazepines and barbiturates can be addictive and dangerous to use. They have a high potential for misuse, abuse, and overdose. Melatonin is an alternative treatment that has been used effectively to treat parasomnia.
Home treatments
While there are many treatments available for parasomnia, some people may prefer to use home treatments. There are a number of different home treatments that can be used to treat parasomnia. Some of these include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and journaling. Yoga has been proven to be beneficial in treating parasomnia. Meditation is also helpful. Aromatherapy is another treatment that can be used to treat parasomnia.
FAQ’s
What are parasomnias caused by?
Parasomnias are a group of disorders that involve abnormal movements, sensations, or behaviors during sleep. Parasomnias can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medications, and sleep disorders. Some of the most common parasomnias include sleepwalking, REM behavior disorder, and night terrors.
How do you treat parasomnias?
There are many different types of parasomnias, and the treatment for each can vary. Generally, however, treating parasomnias usually involves some combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. For example, a doctor may prescribe medication to help a person with narcolepsy stay awake during the day, or therapy to help a person with sleepwalking address the underlying issues that are causing the problem. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise or avoiding caffeine can also be helpful.
How many types of parasomnia are there?
There are many types of parasomnia: sleepwalking, talking in one’s sleep, sleep terrors, sleep paralysis, sleep-related hallucinations, bedwetting, sleep related eating disorder, REM behavior disorder, and sexsomnia. Each condition affects people differently and can cause a variety of problems.
For example, sleepwalkers may wander around their homes or even leave the house without realizing it. They may also engage in risky activities like climbing on roofs or driving a car.
Night terrors are often mistaken for nightmares, but they’re actually quite different. People who experience them often scream and jump out of bed in terror. They may also have heart palpitations or feel like they’re choking.
Bedwetting is a common problem among kids, but it can also happen in adults. REM behavior disorder causes people to act out their dreams, which can lead to injuries or even death.
How do you stop parasomnia?
There are many ways to stop parasomnia. One way is to keep a regular sleep schedule. This will help your body to get into a routine and make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can disrupt your sleep.
If you have trouble sleeping, try reading or listening to calming music before bed. You may also want to practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga. If parasomnia is caused by a mental health condition, treatment for the condition may help to stop the parasomnia.
What happens in the brain during parasomnia?
Sleepwalking, sleep talking, and bed-wetting are all classified as parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep. Parasomnia can be quite harmless, but in some cases it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
The cause of parasomnia is not always known, but it may be related to problems with the brain’s arousal system or with its ability to regulate certain functions while asleep. Some common symptoms of parasomnia include walking around while asleep, talking in one’s sleep, having nightmares, wetting the bed, and grinding one’s teeth.
There is no single cure for parasomnia and treatment may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle changes or medications may help relieve symptoms, while in other cases surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parasomnia can be a very disruptive condition that can impact all aspects of a person’s life. However, there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from parasomnia, it is important to consult with a doctor to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
