Parasomniat

Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors, experiences, or physiological events that occur during sleep. These can happen as a person is falling asleep, during sleep, or while waking up. Parasomnias are not the result of other sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, but rather are disruptive phenomena that intrude upon sleep.

Common types of parasomnias include sleepwalking (somnambulism), sleep talking (somniloquy), night terrors (also known as sleep terrors), and nightmares. Sleepwalking involves complex behaviors like walking or performing other activities while asleep, with little or no memory of the event upon waking. Sleep talking can range from simple sounds to complete conversations. Night terrors are characterized by sudden awakenings with intense fear, screaming, and physical symptoms like a racing heart, often with no memory of a specific dream. Nightmares are frightening dreams that cause distress and often lead to waking the individual.

The exact causes of parasomnias are not fully understood but are thought to involve a complex interplay of genetic factors, stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications, and other underlying medical or psychiatric conditions. They are more common in children but can persist into adulthood or emerge later in life. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history and sleep evaluation, sometimes including a polysomnogram (sleep study). Treatment strategies vary depending on the specific type and severity of the parasomnia and may include lifestyle adjustments, behavioral therapies, or medication in some cases.