Understanding Parasomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Who is Affected
- Nadia Renata
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
What is Parasomnia?
Parasomnia refers to a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal movements, behaviours, emotions, perceptions and dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping or during the transition between sleep and wakefulness. These events can be disruptive and often cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
Types of Parasomnia
Parasomnias are generally divided into two categories: NREM-related parasomnias and REM-related parasomnias.
NREM-Related Parasomnias:
Sleepwalking (Somnambulism): Walking or performing complex behaviours while in a deep sleep, typically during the first third of the night.
Sleep Terrors (Night Terrors): Sudden arousal from deep sleep with intense fear, screaming and physical manifestations of panic.
Confusional Arousals: Episodes of confusion and disorientation upon waking from deep sleep, usually without full consciousness.
Sleep Talking (Somniloquy): Talking during sleep without awareness, occurring during any stage of sleep.
REM-Related Parasomnias:
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD): Acting out vivid and often violent dreams during REM sleep due to the lack of normal muscle atonia (paralysis).
Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that cause a person to wake up feeling scared or anxious.
Sleep Paralysis: A temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, often accompanied by hallucinations.
Causes of Parasomnia
The exact causes of parasomnia are not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its occurrence:
Genetics: A family history of parasomnias increases the likelihood of experiencing these disorders.
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of adequate sleep can trigger episodes of parasomnia.
Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can exacerbate parasomnia symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and beta-blockers, can contribute to parasomnias.
Substance Use: Alcohol and recreational drugs can interfere with normal sleep patterns and increase the risk of parasomnias.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome can contribute to the development of parasomnias.
Neurological Conditions: Disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia and epilepsy are associated with an increased risk of parasomnias.
Who is Affected by Parasomnia?
Parasomnias can affect individuals of all ages, but certain groups are more prone to specific types of parasomnias:
Children: NREM-related parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and night terrors, are more common in children and often decrease with age.
Adults: REM-related parasomnias, such as REM sleep behaviour disorder, are more common in adults, particularly older adults.
People with Psychiatric or Neurological Conditions: Individuals with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, or neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, are at higher risk for parasomnias.
How Does Parasomnia Happen?
Parasomnias occur due to a partial arousal from sleep, where the brain transitions between different sleep stages without fully waking up. This incomplete arousal can lead to a mix of wakefulness and sleep behaviours, resulting in abnormal activities during sleep. The underlying mechanisms may involve disruptions in the brain's sleep regulation systems, leading to the intrusion of wake-like activities into sleep states.
Treatments for Parasomnia
Treatment for parasomnia depends on the specific type and severity of the disorder. Common approaches include:
Improving Sleep Hygiene:
Establishing a regular sleep schedule.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime.
Stress Management:
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Medication:
Benzodiazepines: These medications can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially preventing episodes.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants may be used to manage underlying depression or anxiety contributing to parasomnia.
Melatonin: This supplement can help regulate sleep-wake cycles, particularly in cases of REM sleep behavior disorder.
Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help address underlying psychological issues contributing to parasomnia.
Biofeedback and Hypnosis: These techniques can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Safety Measures:
Making the sleep environment safe by removing sharp objects and securing windows and doors.
Using bed alarms to alert when a person is sleepwalking.
Medical Intervention:
In severe cases, consultation with a sleep specialist may be necessary for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If parasomnia episodes are frequent, severe or causing significant distress or safety concerns, it is essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a sleep study, to diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatments.
Understanding and Appropriate Action
Parasomnia encompasses a range of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviours during sleep. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment can help manage these conditions effectively. By adopting healthy sleep habits, managing stress and consulting healthcare professionals when needed, individuals with parasomnia can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and reflective purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional mental health care. If you are navigating trauma, emotional distress or complex relational dynamics, please reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional.
Healing is not something you have to do alone. Seeking support is not a weakness. It is a wise and courageous act of self-care.
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