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Parasomnias

Parasomnias means the strange behaviors that occur during the sleep. Many unconscious and unremembered behaviors can occur during the sleep, especially among children than in adults. Before falling asleep, almost all people rarely experience brief, involuntary jerking of the arms or the whole body. Sometimes, the legs may also shake. Some people experience hallucinations or sleep paralysis when they just fall asleep or awaken. People may tighten or grind their teeth or have nightmares. Sleep, night terrors and banging the head are most common in children. Generally, children do not remember these things when they wake up.

Parasomnias can be caused by a number of factors. Biological factors, mental depression and stress are some of the most common factors that can cause parasomnias. Parasomnias tend to be more common in children than adults.

Parasomnia activate one or more physiological systems during the sleep and wake cycle at an inappropriate time. The causes of certain types of parasomnias such as grinding teeth, talking while in sleep, are fairly well-known, but the causes of the remaining are unknown.

Parasomnias can be divided into two groups, primary parasomnias and secondary parasomnias. Primary parasomnias relates to sleep disorders while the secondary parasomnias are disorders related to other organ which occur during the sleep.

Primary Parasomnias are marked by the instantaneous occurrence of the two elements sleep and awake. Parasomnias primary are categorized according to the stage of sleep in which they occur such as rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement. Secondary parasomnias are disorders related to the body organs that may take place during sleep. Secondary parasomnias can be fairly common, but can be misunderstood, misdiagnosed or ignored in clinical practice.
The types of Parasomnias include Nightmares, Sleep Behavior Disorder, Sleep Bruxism (teeth grinding), Nocturnal Leg Cramps, Sleep Paralysis, Sleep Terrors Sleep Enuresis (bedwetting), Sleep Talking and Sleepwalking.

Psychiatric and Medical disorders and stress can precipitate or worsen parasomnias. A careful study of psychosocial stresses, alcohol or drugs, and symptoms of depression must be obtained. In addition to this a detailed examination of Mental Status should be performed. Counseling may be helpful for psychological disorders that lead to insomnia and relaxation training techniques may also be helpful.

Fix a regular bedtime and one should not go to bed when he feels awake. Use imagery, creative and relaxation techniques to keep the mind from unrest thoughts while in bed. Do not stay in bed for long periods of time while awake. Relax the mind by reading books, taking a bath or listening to soothing music before going to bed.

Certain types of parasomnias resolve themselves on their own after a period of time. If the parasomnia worsens, or appears to interfere with the sleep and thereby affecting the normal daily activities, then a visit to the doctor is recommended. A number of treatments are available for parasomnias. These include changes in behavior, changes in lifestyle, exercise and medication. A doctor can diagnose and treat the disease appropriately.

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