What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of the sleep behaviors called parasomnias?
What Are Parasomnias in Children and Adults?
Collectively the parasomnias may include undesirable movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, or dreams.
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These occur in association with sleep.
The events usually occur out of slow-wave sleep in the first one-third of the night.
The affected person may suddenly scream out, cry inconsolably, and even lash out against others.
The episodes are generally not remembered the next morning.
(There is also a genetic component to sleepwalking.
)Sleepwalkershave been known to leave the bedroom and even the house.
It might even be possible to run or engage in other physical activities while remaining asleep.
Sleep Eating
Many people whoeat while remaining asleepstarted as sleepwalkers.
Once eating begins, it usually becomes a dominant activity during sleep.
It is known that certain sleeping pills likeAmbienmay increase the risk of sleep eating.
It also seems to be triggered frequently byobstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Sex
Masturbation and full intercourse can occur while a person remains asleep.
If the advances are unwanted, or directed to an inappropriate partner, this can have important legal implications.
There have been multiple criminal cases with defendants claiming that their sexual activity occurred during sleep.
Sleep Paralysis
Sleep paralysis is the most commonly experienced of the parasomnias.
It shows up when there is an overlap between wakefulness and REM sleep.
REM is when vivid dreaming occurs and the body is paralyzed to prevent the acting out of these dreams.
This paralysis may be experienced after an awakening, with associated hallucinations.
It has all been reported, and these behaviors require certain precautions to ensure safety.
As noted above, certain behaviors are associated with specific sleep stages.
It seems likely that sleep fragmentation due to conditions like sleep apnea may play a role.
It is important to have an evaluation by aboard-certified sleep physicianto ensure that all potential causes are addressed.
This may involve securing doors and windows, removing access to weapons, and other adjustments.
There are also effective treatments for parasomnias.
Clonazepam and melatonin may be tried for rapid eye movement sleep disorderagain, with close supervision.
A Word From Verywell
Parasomnias range in behavior and sleep stage.
FDA requires stronger warnings about rare but serious incidents related to certain prescription insomnia medicines.
April 2019
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
“International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual.”
Maski K, Owens J.
“Pediatric Sleep Disorders.
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2018 Feb;24(1, Child Neurology):210-227. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000566.
