Parasomnias

**Parasomnias** is an umbrella term for unusual sleep behaviors that individuals experience prior to falling asleep, while asleep, or during the arousal period between sleep and wakefulness. These behaviors vary considerably in terms of characteristics, severity, and frequency.

## Types of Parasomnias

### Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorder

Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorder is a parasomnia that occurs during the three stages of sleep, also known as the Non-REM period of sleep.

#### Sleep Terrors

Sleep Terrors is a condition in which one experiences episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing in their sleep. These episodes are completely unrelated to nightmares and are not caused by nightmares. Sleep terrors are common in children and can be outgrown, but they may pose an issue if they remain and can be classified as a disorder if consistent enough. Sleep terrors can interrupt ones sleep and often times those who experience sleep terrors can begin sleep walking if untreated.

#### Sleep Walking

Sleep Walking is a condition in which one has episodes where they get up, walk around, or sometimes participate in tasks all while being fully asleep. The individual may talk during these episodes and/or may have their eyes open, making them appear awake when they are, in reality, fully asleep. This condition can be life threatening, especially if one participates in tasks that could put themselves or others at risk. Occasional sleep walking is not considered a disorder and is common amongst children and teens; however, if it continues and is consistent, it can be classified as a disorder.

#### Confusional Arousals

Confusional Arousals is a condition in which one experiences episodes of disoriented behavior and confusion and behaves in a wake-like manner while not technically awakening. This is different than typical confusion/drowsiness when awakening, as these episodes can happen at any time and often occur within two hours after falling asleep.

#### Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)

SRED is a condition in which one consumes food during sleep-walking periods. This disorder can be dangerous as it can cause one to consume toxic materials, consume things they are allergic to, and/or cause one to choke.

### Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder is a parasomnia that occurs after the three stages of sleep.

#### Nightmare Disorder

Nightmare Disorder is a condition in which one experiences intense nightmares on a nightly basis, rarely or never experiencing positive dreams. Nightmare disorder can cause extreme distress and can make an individual hesitant to sleep.

#### Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis (RISP)

RISP is a condition in which one experiences episodes of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis caused by drug use, other conditions, and/or narcolepsy does not classify one with RISP. Some individuals experience sleep paralysis only one or two times in their life, which does not qualify them for RISP.

#### REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RSBD)

RSBD is a condition in which one has episodes of acting out or possibly verbalizing dreams/nightmares during the REM period of sleep. One with RSBD typically has this behavior every night.

### Other Parasomnias

Other Parasomnias are parasomnias that are unrelated to specific sections/stages of sleep.

#### Catathrenia

Catathrenia is a rare condition in which one groans/moans during sleep. It is considered the opposite of snoring, which is associated with breathing in, while carathrenia is associated with breathing out. It is unknown what the cause of the condition is, and thus it is unknown if this condition is neurodivergent, a physical condition, or both.

#### Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS)

EHS is a condition in which one hears loud noises that are not actually there that causes one to wake up. These sounds seem real to the individual awakening from them; however, they are simply within ones mind. The cause and reasoning for this condition is unknown. In some cases, the sounds are accompanied by false sights as well.

#### Sexsomnia

Sexsomnia is a condition in which one behaves sexually in their sleep. This includes masturbation, talking dirty, thrusting, sexual touching an individual sharing a bed with them, etc. Those with sexsomnia are unaware of this sexual behavior and may only discover their behavior through someone else telling them or due to what is left over when awakening.

#### Sleep-Related Hallucinations

Sleep-Related Hallucinations is a condition in which one experiences hallucinations upon waking up. These hallucinations can last several seconds to several minutes.

## References

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-terrors/symptoms-causes/syc-20353524

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleepwalking/symptoms-causes/syc-20353506#:~:text=Sleepwalking%20%E2%80%94%20also%20known%20as%20somnambulism,serious%20problems%20or%20require%20treatment

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/nighttime-sleep-behaviors/confusional-arousals.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353515

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958367/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rem-sleep-behavior-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352920

https://www.baptisthealth.com/services/sleep-center/types-of-sleep-disorders/catathrenia

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/exploding-head-syndrome

https://www.aastweb.org/blog/sexsomnia-sleep-disorder-signs-symptoms-and-causes

https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-hallucinations/#what-are-sleep-hallucinations