Parasomnias are a group of disorders related to the process of sleep. These include any abnormal behavior that occurs right before we fall asleep, while we’re falling asleep, or right before we wake up.
Sound sleep is considered to be one of the most important things for an individual to function properly, especially for children since it aids growth and development to a great extent. An average person spends about one-third of their day sleeping but it is the quality of sleep that has a massive impact on our neuro-cognitive functioning.
When we talk about the quality of sleep we take a deeper look at all the activities that take place during the sleep cycle right from the moment we start drifting into sleep to the moment we are wide awake. Parasomnias or abnormal behaviors that occur during this span tend to keep the body from achieving REM sleep.
Although some types of parasomnias are more common among children like nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting multiple factors could lead to parasomnias like drug or alcohol abuse, stress, family history of parasomnias, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, insomnia.
Research has also shown a strong link between parasomnias being developed after a particularly traumatic incident is experienced. Patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often experience night terrors or flashbacks of the traumatic incident while sleeping.
TYPES AND SYMPTOMS
These parasomnias can be put into 4 broad categories based on the symptoms they manifest
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Arousal disorders: sleepwalking, night terrors, confusional arousal
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Sleep-wake transition disorders: rhythmic movement disorder, sleep starts, sleep talking, nocturnal leg cramps
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REM sleep parasomnias: nightmares, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder
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Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
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Nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding)
TREATMENT
There are certain pharmacological treatments for different types of parasomnias but maintaining good sleep hygiene has been seen as the most effective solution with long-term results. Good sleep hygiene involves practices like having a pre-bed routine, having a stable schedule of sleep, not using electronics right before going to bed, having early dinners, and exercising during the day.
Apart from these techniques in cases where parasomnias are developed after particularly traumatic incidents or due to increased stress and anxiety Cognitive Behavior therapy is used. Methods like breathing and relaxation techniques are taught to help the patient manage their anxiety better which leads to a decrease in abnormal sleep behavior and improved quality of sleep.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Sakshi Kaushal is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.