Parasomnias

Parasomnia refers to a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep. Examples of parasomnias include sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep talking, and sleep eating. Parasomnias can be disruptive to sleep and may pose a risk to the person or others, and treatment may involve changes to sleep habits and routines, medication, or therapy.

Types

Parasomnias are generally divided into two categories: arousal parasomnias and non-arousal parasomnias.

Arousal parasomnias, also known as dynamic parasomnias, include sleepwalking (somnambulism), sleep terrors (nightmares), and sleep-related eating disorder. These disorders are characterized by episodes of confusion, fear, or movement during sleep, but the person is not fully awake. Non-arousal parasomnias, also known as static parasomnias, include rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder and sleep-related hallucinations. These disorders are characterized by abnormal behaviors or experiences that occur during REM sleep, the stage of sleep during which the most vivid dreaming occurs.

Symptoms

Parasomnias can cause distress for the person experiencing them and for bed partners.

Treatment

Treatment for parasomnias depends on the type of disorder and can include behavioral modifications, medications, and therapy.

Seek help

It is important to see a healthcare provider if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a parasomnia, as these disorders can be indicative of other underlying medical or psychological conditions.

References

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). Parasomnias. Retrieved from https://aasm.org/resources/patient-information/parasomnias/
National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Parasomnias. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Parasomnias. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parasomnias/symptoms-causes/syc-20352588
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Parasomnias. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/disorders/parasomnias/index.html
World Health Organization. (2021). Sleep Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/sleep-disorders

Sleep medicine navigation.
Sleep disorders	Bruxism / Mouth breathing / Sleep apnea / Catathrenia / Central hypoventilation syndrome / Obesity hypoventilation syndrome / Obstructive sleep apnea / Periodic breathing
Anatomical	Bruxism / Mouth breathing / Sleep apnea / Catathrenia / Central hypoventilation syndrome / Obesity hypoventilation syndrome / Obstructive sleep apnea / Periodic breathing / Snoring
Dyssomnias	Excessive daytime sleepiness / Hypersomnia / Insomnia / Kleine–Levin syndrome / Narcolepsy / Night eating syndrome / Nocturia / Sleep state misperception
Circadian rhythm disorders	Advanced sleep phase disorder / Cyclic alternating pattern / Delayed sleep phase disorder / Irregular sleep–wake rhythm / Jet lag / Non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder / Shift work sleep disorder
Parasomnias	Nightmare disorder / Night terror / Periodic limb movement disorder / Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder / Sleepwalking / Sleepdriving / Sleep-talking
Benign phenomena	Dreams / Exploding head syndrome / Hypnic jerk / Hypnagogia / Sleep onset / Hypnopompia / Sleep paralysis / Sleep inertia / Somnolence / Nocturnal clitoral tumescence / Nocturnal penile tumescence / Nocturnal emission
Treatment	Sleep diary / Sleep hygiene / Sleep induction / Hypnosis / Somnology / Polysomnography / Behavioral sleep medicine / Sleep study / List of topics / WikiMD Parasomnias

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers

New York:
- Brooklyn: W8MD's NYC Medical Weight Loss, sleep and medspa 2632 E.21st Street Ste L3, Brooklyn, New York 11235. Call (718) 946 5500
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia: Poly-Tech Sleep & W8MD Philadelphia Medical Weight Loss 1718, Welsh Rd, Philadelphia, PA, 19115. Call (215) 676 2334
- King of Prussia: Poly-Tech Sleep & W8MD King of Prussia Medical Weight Loss, Sleep and Medspa 175 Strafford Avenue, Wayne PA 19087 - Executive Commons Ste 1. (215) 676-2334.
New Jersey
- Cherry Hill: (coming soon) W8MD's New Jersey Weight Loss, Sleep Clinic 140 E Evesham Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (215) 676 2334

Call (718) 946-5500

External links

Medical weight loss