Parasomnia is a term used to describe a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviours, movements, emotions, perceptions, and dreams during sleep. These disorders can occur during any stage of sleep and often disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to daytime fatigue and impairment in daily functioning. The severity and frequency of parasomnias can vary greatly from person to person.
There are several types of parasomnias, each with its own distinct characteristics:
- Sleepwalking (Somnambulism): Sleepwalking involves walking or performing other complex behaviours while still asleep. Sleepwalkers may have their eyes open but are not fully aware of their surroundings. Episodes of sleepwalking can range from brief periods of wandering to more elaborate activities like cooking or driving.
- Night Terrors (Sleep Terrors): Night terrors are intense episodes of fear or panic that occur during sleep, usually during non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep stages. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and are often remembered upon waking, individuals experiencing night terrors may not recall the episode afterward. Night terrors can involve screaming, sweating, and rapid heart rate, and they may be accompanied by sleepwalking.
- REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD): In REM sleep behaviour disorder, individuals physically act out their dreams due to a lack of the normal paralysis of muscles during REM sleep. This can result in behaviours such as punching, kicking, or even jumping out of bed during vivid dreams.
- Sleep Talking (Somniloquy): Sleep talking involves speaking during sleep without being aware of it. The content of sleep talking can vary from nonsensical mumbling to coherent sentences.
- Sleep-related Eating Disorder (SRED): People with this disorder consume food while asleep, often in large quantities and sometimes in unusual combinations. They may have no memory of eating during the night upon waking.
- Sleep Paralysis: Sleep paralysis occurs when a person temporarily experiences an inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. It can be accompanied by hallucinations and a sense of pressure on the chest, leading to considerable distress.
- Sexomnia: Sexomnia is a parasomnia where individuals engage in sexual behaviors during sleep, unaware. It can disrupt relationships and requires professional intervention.
So, basically, parasomnias are abnormal movements, talk, emotions, actions and emotions which happen while you’re sleeping (your bed partner might think you’re awake).
Examples include sleep terrors, sleepwalking, nightmare disorder, sleep-related eating disorder and sleep paralysis can be triggered by various factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, certain medications, and underlying sleep disorders. Treatment approaches for parasomnias typically involve improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and in some cases, medication or cognitive-behavioural therapy. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of parasomnias to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.