Parasomnias in adults

Parasomnias are undesirable events occurring during sleep or during the transition into or out of sleep. They may occur during non-rapid eye movement or rapid eye movement sleep, depending on the type of parasomnia.

They include abnormal behaviours (e.g., sleep-related eating) or dreams (e.g., nightmare disorder).

Diagnosis relies mainly on careful history from the patient or, more commonly, the bed partner or other household members.

Treatment is indicated if the parasomnia may result in injury to patient or bed partner or if sleep is significantly disrupted.

Management depends on the type of parasomnia and includes reassurance, sleep environment modification, cognitive therapy, and pharmacotherapy.

Parasomnias are undesirable sleep-related events that may occur during sleep or during the transition into sleep or out of sleep. They include abnormal behaviours (e.g., sleepwalking) and dreams (e.g., nightmares). Parasomnias may be transient and have no significant consequences on the patient's sleep health. However, in some cases they are severe or persistent enough to cause significant sleep disruption and distress or injury to the patient or bed partner.[1]American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th ed., text revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022.​