Parasomnia patients and risk of injury, a 16-years clinical study

Abstract

PurposeWe aimed to analyze the risk of injury in different age and gender groups experiencing parasomnias. MethodsWe collected clinical data of adult parasomnia patients seen between 2007 and 2023, from the database of the Institute of Behavioral Sciences Semmelweis University in Budapest. We classified them by age (19–39 and ≥40 years) and biological sex groups. Binary logistic regression was calculated to find the association between alcohol and tobacco use and dangerous activities, using odds ratios (ORs) at 95% CIs. ResultsOut of 45 parasomnia patients (64.5% female, and 73.4% in the 19–39 years age group), 69% experienced somnambulism and 20% had nightmare disorder. Dangerous behaviors and injuries related to sleepwalking included shoulder dislocation (6.3%), injury from breaking objects (25%), and sex without consent (12.5%). In our results, alcohol use was associated with parasomnia events 21-fold in males compared to females (p<0.05). Dangerous behavior was significantly higher in males and younger, than in older adults (OR: 4.91 and 4.61, p<0.05). ConclusionParasomnias require particular care due to the risk of injury. The remarkably high odds of dangerous sleepwalking activities in males and young adults require further attention and explanation.