Parasomnias

Para-somnia literally means behaviors occurring at the time of sleep. In general, these behaviors occur during the transition from sleep-wake or during transitions within the different stages of sleep.

In most cases, parasomnias are infrequent and benign and do not require medical attention. A formal evaluation by a sleep specialist should be considered in the following situations:

• Episodes result in injury to the individual or others
• Episodes result in significant sleep disruption to the individual or members of their household
• Episodes result in significant daytime dysfunction.

Some of the conditions categorized as parasomnias include:

• Nightmares
• Night terrors
• Sleep walking
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Sleep-related eating disorders
• Somniloquy (talking in one’s sleep)