WHAT ARE PARASOMNIAS?
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: October 27, 2022
- December 25, 2018
- Hypersomnia, Insomnia, Parasomnia, Sleep & Health, Sleep & Normal Variant

Table of Contents
KEY POINTS
Parasomnias are unwanted physical events or experiences that happen while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up.
Parasomnias involve sleep-related behaviors and experiences that you can’t control.
Parasomnias may include strange movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions or dreams.
Parasomnias occur when aspects of sleep and wakefulness overlap.
You usually remain asleep during the event and may have no memory that it occurred.
Am I at Risk ?
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Confusional Arousals
Nightmare Disorder
Sleep Related Eating Disorder
Exploding Head Syndrome
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Sleep Related Hallucinations
Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis
Sleepwalking
Bedwetting
Sleep Terrors
TREATMENTS
Tips
Keep a consistent sleep schedule.
Adults should sleep 7 hours or more every night.
Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing.
Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
Don’t drink caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
Don’t drink alcohol before bedtime.
Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.
Next Steps
- Adults should make it a priority to sleep 7 or more hours nightly.
- Teens should sleep 8 to 10 hours each night.
- Talk to your doctor about any ongoing sleep problems.
- Your doctor may refer you to an accredited sleep center for help.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
