What Are the Different Types of Parasomnias?
Parasomnias Encompass a wide range of sleep-related disorders, each presenting with different behaviors and symptoms. One of the most well-known types is sleepwalking, which typically occurs during non-REM sleep. During an episode, the individual may sit up, walk around, or even leave the house while still in a sleep state. Night terrors are another type of parasomnia, often affecting children, characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or panic during the deep stages of sleep, typically without the individual remembering the event. Sleep talking is a more common parasomnia that involves speaking during sleep without the person being aware of it, which can range from simple mumbling to coherent speech.
Another significant type is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), where the individual physically acts out vivid dreams during REM sleep, which may include violent movements, kicking, or punching. This disorder is associated with a risk of injury to both the person experiencing it and their bed partner. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another parasomnia that occurs during sleep and can lead to jaw pain, tooth damage, or headaches. Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is another parasomnia where individuals eat during the night while asleep and may not remember the episodes. The different types of parasomnias can vary in severity and frequency, requiring specific treatments depending on the symptoms and underlying causes.
