Abstract
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal, unpleasant motor verbal or behavioral events that occur during sleep or wake to sleep transitions. Parasomnias can occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) stages of sleep and are more commonly seen in children than the adult population. Parasomnias can be distressful for the patient and their bed partners and most of the time, these complaints are brought up by their bed partners because of the possible disruption in their quality of sleep. As clinicians, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of various parasomnias and address them with detailed sleep history and essential diagnostic approach for proper evaluation.The review aims to highlight the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of various types of parasomnias along with the appropriate diagnostic and pharmacological approach.
Highlights
BackgroundParasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that are characterized by abnormal, unpleasant motor, verbal or behavioral events that occur during sleep or wake to sleep transitions [1]
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal, unpleasant motor verbal or behavioral events that occur during sleep or wake to sleep transitions
Parasomnias can occur during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) stages of sleep and are more commonly seen in children than the adult population
Summary
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that are characterized by abnormal, unpleasant motor, verbal or behavioral events that occur during sleep or wake to sleep transitions [1]. Exploding head syndrome is a benign disorder characterized by sudden loud noise or explosive crashing sound in the head that occurs during the wake-sleep transitions or while awakening in the middle of the night Such episodes may terrify the individual and are usually accompanied by flashes of light or myoclonic jerks [31]. Status dissociatus is characterized by complete dissociation between the transition from wakefulness to NREM and REM stages of sleep During these episodes, most of the patients will have violent behavior ranging from screaming, crying, running, kicking or punching and may last for a few minutes to hours. Most childhood parasomnias (confusional arousals, sleepwalking, sleep terror and nightmares) are benign and children tend to outgrow them In those cases, reassurance and educating the parents can be useful without any medical intervention. Imipramine, levodopa, carbamazepine and pramipexole have been tried in the past but with limited success in the management [30]
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