Parasomnias are unwanted physical events or experiences that happen while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up.

KEY POINTS:

  • Parasomnias involve sleep-related behaviors and experiences that you can’t control.
  • Parasomnias occur when aspects of sleep and wakefulness overlap.
  • Parasomnias may include strange movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions or dreams.
  • You usually remain asleep during the event and may have no memory that it occurred.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Parasomnias may include abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions or dreams. The behaviors may be complex and appear purposeful to others, but you are asleep while the behavior is taking place. Often you will have no memory that it occurred.

If you have a parasomnia, you may fnd it hard to sleep through the night. Some parasomnias involve incomplete arousal from deep sleep. Others emerge during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Types of parasomnias are:

Confusional Arousals
Mental confusion or confused behavior that occurs while you are in bed.

Sleep Related Eating Disorder
Out-of-control eating that occurs while you are only partially awake.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
You act out violent, action-packed dreams while you are asleep.

Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis
You are unable to move your body as you are falling asleep or waking up.

Bedwetting
You urinate in your bed while sleeping.

Nightmare Disorder
You have disturbing dreams that cause distress or bedtime anxiety.

Exploding Head Syndrome
You imagine a sudden, loud noise or explosion in your head while falling asleep or waking up.

Sleep Related Hallucinations
You imagine seeing something or someone in your room while falling asleep or waking up.

Sleepwalking
You get out of bed and walk while sleeping.

Sleep Terrors
You sit up in bed with a loud cry or fearful scream.

Am I At Risk:

Your obesity risk is higher if you are inactive and eat an unhealthy diet. Healthy sleep also helps your body maintain a healthy weight. You are more likely to be obese if you sleep less than 7 hours nightly. Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders also can contribute to weight gain.

TREATMENTS:

Treatment options vary depending on the type of parasomnia. These options may include behavioral therapy or medication. Your sleep doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you.

TIPS:

Practicing healthy sleep habits can help reduce the risk of parasomnias:

  • 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