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Parasomnias: Understanding Unusual Behaviors During Sleep

  • Mar 31, 2025
  • By: Online Sleep Aids
Parasomnias: Understanding Unusual Behaviors During Sleep

Heard about Parasomnias from a friend? Worried that you or someone close to you might be suffering from this disorder. If so, you must not neglect the condition. It's primarily because Parasomnias involves various physical actions and activities like kicking, punching, sleepwalking, laughing, taking or jumping while asleep. These conditions can put the affected person or people close to them at risk.

On the other hand, Parasomnias can also be very disturbing and frustrating for anyone suffering from it as it disturbs restful sleeping and puts the person in danger. So, if you are worried about having similar experiences or your close ones going through these. Keep reading! In this blog post, we will help you understand Parasomnias and the unusual sleep behaviours associated with them. This will also include other essential details, you should learn such as common types, their characteristics, causes, their effects on healthy sleeping, diagnosis, treatment and more. So, without wasting any time further. Let's dive into the main topic.

What Are Parasomnias? An Introduction to Sleep Behavior Disorders

Before understanding the unusual behaviour associated with Parasomnias, let's understand what is it in detail. Parasomnias is a sleeping disorder distinctively different from other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or sleepwalking etc. By definition, Parasomnias is a sleep disorder that results in abnormal behaviour during sleep. Such abnormal behaviour can occur at any stage of sleep, between the transition of wakefulness to deep sleep or vice versa.

When you have Parasomnias, you are likely to move around, talk or perform other unusual things while you are asleep. People around you might think you are awake and doing things purposefully while you are asleep and will not have any memory of these incidents.

Common Types of Parasomnias and Their Characteristics

Parasomnias is a sleep disorder that involves kicking, punching, jumping, sleepwalking, laughing, talking, crying, etc., Mostly triggered by violent or disturbing dreams. However, medical diagnosis suggests that Parasomnias can have different types that can be distinguished from each other using its symptoms. Below, we will learn about each type of Parasomnias along with their characteristics -

Sleepwalking

The most common type of Parasomnias is sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is also known as somnambulism. It is also a sleep disorder or arousal disorder where a person wake up in the middle of their sleep and starts walking. They may also perform other routine activities like cooking, backpacking, driving, etc.

So, in the middle of a sleepwalking episode if a person wakes up they will feel confused and disoriented.

Night terrors

Another common type of Parasomnias is night terroirs which also result in Parasomnias symptoms such as jumping, running, defending, screaming, and frightfully waking. Night terroirs also known as sleep terroirs mostly affect children between 3-7 years old. However, it can also affect adults.

Some essential characteristics of night terroirs include -faster or racing heartbeats, screaming and thrashing around, sweating, dilated pupils and more.

Sleep talking

Sleep taking is similar to sleepwalking a part of Parasomnias where the person wakes up in the middle of their sleep and starts talking. They may make different noises, whisper or start speaking, laughing and crying while they are asleep.

These episodes probably last between 5-20 minutes. Also, the individual will not have any memories of these incidents just like most cases of Parasomnias cases.

Sleep-related eating disorder

A sleep-related eating disorder is also a common type of Parasomnias sleeping disorder that leads to eating during sleep. People with sleep-related eating disorders, wake up in the middle of their sleep and search for food. They may walk to the kitchen or fridge to get food or start eating non-edible objects during the episode. In some cases, an individual with a sleep-related eating disorder can put sharp objects in their mouth or can get injured while trying to cook during sleep.

Sleep-related eating disorders can often result from impulsive eating disorders or other eating disorders.

REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD)

REM sleep disorder is also a part of Parasomnias disorder where you have vivid dreams and act them out while sleeping. It is different from sleepwalking or night terroirs. With REM sleep behaviour disorder or REMBD, individuals are not as confused and can easily wake up and remember their dreams.

Some common characteristics of REM behaviour disorder include kicking, punching, jumping, shouting or grabbing.

Sleep paralysis

Last but not least, sleep paralysis is also a type of Parasomnias but completely different from sleepwalking, sleep terroirs or, REM sleep behaviour disorder. In sleep paralysis, resumption or consciousness occurs while muscle Atonia of REM sleep is maintained. In this condition, individuals develop intense fear or terror as they gain a complete mental awakening but are unable to move any single part of their body.

What Causes Parasomnias? Triggers and Risk Factors

Various factors can contribute to Parasomnias. Experts suggest different methods for the management of different types of Parasomnias. Knowing about the risk factors and triggers can help one better manage the condition they are suffering from. Here are some common causes of this sleeping disorder:

  • Excessive stress- One of the primary triggers of Parasomnias is excessive stress which affects a healthy sleep cycle.
  • Genetics- Another major factor causing Parasomnias is genetics or if someone has a first-degree relative with the sleeping disorder.
  • Age- Age is a common risk factor for Parasomnias. Younger children are more prone to suffer from Parasomnias because of rapid eye movement and immature central nervous system. And symptoms can decrease as they grow.
  • Sleep deprivation- Sleep deprivation can also cause sleep disorders like Parasomnias.
  • Chronic pain conditions- Chronic pain conditions can make sleeping difficult and result in Parasomnias.
  • Mental health conditions-. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression can lead to Parasomnias.
  • Medications- Parasomnias can also be caused by certain medications such as sedatives.
  • Sleep alcohol or substance abuse- Alcohol or any other substance abuse or withdrawal can be a reason behind this sleep disorder.

How Parasomnias Affect Sleep Quality and Daily Life?

Sleep disorders such as insomnia and parasomnia can disturb a healthy sleep cycle and negatively impact one's daily life. That is why, effective management of the symptoms of Parasomnias is necessary. Here are some ways Parasomnias can affect your daily life:

Fatigue during waking hours

Parasomnias affect a healthy sleep cycle. Patients with Parasomnias usually do not get restful sleep which results in daytime fatigue or unwillingness to engage in routine activities.

Impact on relationships

Parasomnia can also negatively impact your interpersonal and professional relationships as one fails to be fully present during daytime activities because of poor sleep quality at night.

Lack of concentration

Sleep is necessary for our brain to go through processes that help in concentration and other cerebral activities. Poor sleep caused by parasomnia can also result in difficulty in concentration.

Difficulty with memory

Parasomnia disturbs the normal activity of the brain by reducing the quality of sleeping time. That is why, people with parasomnia also experience poor memory or difficulty in remembering things.

Risk of accidents

Parasomnias can also create a sense of confusion and slow reaction in people. Experts recommend people with parasomnia avoid driving or using any heavy machinery for risks of accidents.

Risk of stumbling or falling

People who suffer from Parasomnia can feel dizzy during waking hours which increases the risk of falling or stumbling.

Poor mental health

Parasomnia affects sleep quality and chronic sleep problems can also affect one's mental health, contributing to symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder.

If you experience symptoms of Parasomnias, you should be careful during your waking hours to minimize risks of accidents and other problems.

Diagnosing Parasomnias: What to Expect During Sleep Evaluation

As discussed, Parasomnias is a sleep-related disorder that can be diagnosed and treated with the help of a professional psychologist or psychiatrist. So, if you are thinking that you or your close ones might be suffering and want to go for a diagnosis, you should prepare yourself with what to expect, during a sleep evaluation for Parasomnias diagnosis. Below, we will discuss some essential things you can expect during a sleep analysis for Parasomnias -

  • Medical history - When you visit a professional for Parasomnias diagnosis, they might ask about your medical history. Also, they might ask how long you have been suffering from it, and whether anyone in your family has/ had Parasomnias or similar sleeping disorders to understand its root cause.
  • Sleep journals - Your psychologist may also ask you to start writing a sleep journal. Journals help track, your sleep cycle, Parasomnias episode frequency, duration or even symptoms. These details are essential for the diagnosis of Parasomnias and for understanding which type of Parasomnias you have.
  • Sleep studies - Psychologists can also perform sleep studies or Polysomnogram, where they will observe your activities while you are asleep to understand and record, brain wave, heart rate, etc., to diagnose your Parasomnias.

Remember, Parasomnias is a medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated understand professional guidance. Parasomnias can cause various symptoms that can affect your regular sleep and daily activities. In some cases, it can put the individual suffering from Parasomnias or people around them in danger.

Treatment Options for Parasomnias: Medical and Behavioral Approaches

Fortunately, Parasomnias is completely curable. If you seek professional help on time, you can easily overcome the symptoms of Parasomnias. Here, we are going to explore the available treatment options for Parasomnias including both medical and behavioural approaches -

  • CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy is a widely used and popular treatment option for treating symptoms of Parasomnias. With CBT doctors help individuals suffering from Parasomnias to control their sleep behaviour and prevent unusual behaviour during sleep.
  • Medications - Your doctor can also prescribe different medications to control symptoms of Parasomnias such as topiramate, antidepressants, dopamine agonists, melatonin, levodopa, benzodiazepines, or clonazepam.
  • Modifying sleeping environment - Your doctor can also suggest modification of your sleeping environment. If you are suffering from Parasomnias or REM sleep disorder, you should not sleep alone or remove all sharp and harmful objects from your reach.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Parasomnia Episodes

Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help people suffering from parasomnia. Here are some tips and home remedies to manage parasomnia episodes:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

One of the primary ways to deal with parasomnia naturally is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Falling asleep and waking up at a certain time can help with parasomnia.

Take natural sleep aids

Taking natural sleeping aids such as chamomile or lavender tea before bedtime can create a soothing effect on the brain and help one easily fall asleep.

Practice mindfulness

One must also practice mindfulness to reduce parasomnia triggers such as stress and anxiety. This will help one manage the symptoms of the sleep disorder.

Use a comfortable mattress

Using a comfortable mattress can also aid in better sleep and can reduce the symptoms of Parasomnias.

Reduce caffeine/ alcohol intake

Excessive use of caffeine or alcohol also causes sleep disorders like parasomnia. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol usage or reducing their intake helps manage parasomnia symptoms.

Ensure cosy bedroom temperature

Our body temperature drops during sleep time. That is why, ensuring a cosy bedroom temperature is essential for better sleep quality.

Limit screen time

Screen time negatively impacts your sleep cycle. Limiting screen time before bedtime is essential for maintaining sleep hygiene and managing parasomnia.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise or yoga is also helpful for parasomnia and reduces symptoms like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome that sometimes lead to sleeping disorders.

Make adjustments to your work schedule

If you are a shift worker and suffer from Parasomnia, it can be because of a disturbed circadian cycle. Adjusting your work schedule for a healthy sleep cycle can be helpful to reduce the symptoms of Parasomnia.

When to Seek Professional Help for Parasomnias?

Parasomnia is usually considered harmless and non-dangerous. However, in certain cases where it exhibits severe symptoms that not only impact restful sleep but also put the individual or people around in danger, one must seek professional help before it's too late. Remember, if you are having Parasomnias episodes, you might not remember those incidents. But someone sharing a room with you might be able to point out these unusual sleep behaviours. So, if you or your close one has more than one or two symptoms of Parasomnias that are also unmanageable with traditional medication or home remedies, you should immediately seek professional help.