Parasomnias

What are parasomnias? 

Parasomnias are undesirable behaviors or experiences that occur during the onset of sleep, during sleep itself, or during an arousal from sleep.

They may occur during NREM sleep, REM sleep, or transitions to and from sleep. 

Here is the table which lists the different types of parasomnias and the stage of sleep in which they occur.

Examples of Parasomnias

Associated with NREM Sleep

• Confusional arousals • Sleep walking • Sleep/Night terrors

Associated with REM Sleep

• REM sleep behavior disorder • Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis • Nightmare disorder

Other

• Sleep-related enuresis • Sleep-related groaning (catathrenia) • Exploding head syndrome • Sleep-related eating disorder • Sleep-related dissociative disorders

NREM, Nonrapid eye movement; REM, rapid eye movement.

Sources

• Morgenthaler T, Owens J, Alessi C, et al.: Practice parameters for behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Report. Sleep 29(10):1277-1281, 2006. 
• Owens J, Mindell J: Pediatric insomnia. Pediatr Clin N Am 58:555-569, 2011. 
• Rodin-Schutte, S, Broch L, Buysse D, et al.: Clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults. J Clin Sleep Med 4(5):487-504, 2008.