Sleep Parasomnias
Parasomnias are abnormal sleep behaviors that occur during specific stages of sleep. They can be classified into different categories based on the stage of sleep during which they occur. Here are three different types of parasomnias:
REM Sleep Parasomnias: These parasomnias occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, which is associated with dreaming. Examples of REM sleep parasomnias include REM sleep behavior disorder, in which the muscles are not properly paralyzed during REM sleep, causing people to act out their dreams; and nightmares, which are vivid and disturbing dreams that cause people to wake up feeling anxious or frightened.
NREM Sleep Parasomnias: These parasomnias occur during the non-REM (NREM) stages of sleep, which are characterized by slow-wave sleep. Examples of NREM sleep parasomnias include sleepwalking, in which a person gets up and walks around during sleep, and sleep terrors, which are episodes of intense fear and screaming that occur during sleep.
Other Parasomnias: There are other types of parasomnias that don't fit into the REM or NREM categories. For example, sleep-related eating disorder is a parasomnia in which people eat during the night while they are asleep, often without any memory of doing so. Another example is sleep-related groaning, which is a parasomnia characterized by loud moaning or groaning sounds that occur during sleep.
It's important to note that parasomnias can be disruptive to sleep and may lead to daytime fatigue or other health issues. Treatment options for parasomnias vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but may include behavioral interventions, medication, or other therapies. Consulting with family physicians and a sleep specialist are recommended for individuals who experience frequent or severe parasomnias.
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Sources:
The National Sleep Foundation: https://www.thensf.org/
Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: https://aasm.org/
