Parasomnia means "around sleep.  Its a sleep disorder of arousal, partial arousal, or sleep stage transition with abnormal and unnatural movement behaviors, emotions, perceptions and dreams.  There are three categories of parasomnia: rhythmic, paroxysmal, and static disorders.  They can occur during REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep or wakefulness and NREM (non rapid eye-movement) stages of sleep.     Parasomnias can be triggered in certain individuals by alcohol,sleep deprivation, physical activity, emotional stress, depression, medications, or a fevered illness. They may occur often enough or become so bothersome that  medical attention may require.

Symptoms

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of Parasomnias. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, give us a call at (818) 80- SLEEP  and we can diagnose your sleep disorder.

•Confusional arousals

•Sleep terrors (night terrors)

•Somnambulism (sleep walking))

•REM sleep behavior disorder

•Bedwetting

•narcolepsy nocturnal seizures and enuresis

•Bruxism (teeth grinding)

•Restless Leg Syndrome

•Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

•Sleep sex

•Sleepeating

•Somniloquy (talking in the sleep)

•Rhythmic movement disorder

•Paralysis

Treatment

Parasomnias are treated with appropriate medicines after accurate diagnosis.  Any medical decisions should be made in follow-up visits with the physician.

Also, a detailed Mental Status Examination should be performed. Patients found to have an underlying psychological or psychiatric disorder should be seen by a psychologist or psychiatrist, and appropriate therapy should be offered.