One of two major subgroups of sleep disorders (dyssomnias are the other major subgroup). Parasomnias are disorders characterized by abnormal behavioral or physiological events occurring in association with sleep, specific sleep stages, or sleep-wake transitions. In dsm-iv-tr, this group includes nightmare disorder, sleep terror disorder, and sleepwalking disorder.
A term that refers to a wide variety of sleep disruptions that occur during sleep or on arousal. Parasomnias are usually mild, infrequent, and occur more often in children than in adults. Sleepwalking, con-fusional arousals (in which a person appears awake, upset, and confused, but resists comfort), and teeth grinding are examples of parasomnias. In most cases, parasomnias are harmless and do not require treatment. However, when they occur frequently or become troubling, medical attention is required.
Any of several abnormal experiences or behaviors occurring during sleep (e.g., bruxism, night terrors, or sleepwalking).
A sleep disorder characterized by disturbances in a person’s physiology or behaviors that are influenced by sleep, the different sleep stages, or the transition from sleep to wakefulness.