Parasomnias & Disruptive Sleep Disorders Treatment Clinic in Kansas City, MO

Yes, parasomnia is a type of sleep-related disorder that interferes with and disrupts sleep. Parasomnia is an abnormal behavior or experience that takes place while a person is sleeping, drifting off to sleep, or waking up.

Sleep talking, sleep eating disorders, REM sleep behavior disorders, and sleep-related hallucinations are a few examples of common parasomnias. These incidents can make a person wake up feeling exhausted, anxious, or embarrassed. They can also make their bed partner or other family members uneasy while sleeping.

Parasomnia can be brought on by a variety of factors such as genetics, medications, stress, and underlying medical conditions. For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it’s crucial to consult a sleep team member if you or someone you know suffers from parasomnia.

Although they are both types of sleep-related disorders, parasomnias and sleep disorders have different distinctive characteristics.

The term “sleep disorders” covers a broad range of conditions that interfere with a person’s ability to get a proper amount of sleep. Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and irregular circadian rhythms are a few examples of sleep disorders. These conditions impair a person’s ability to sleep well and deeply, which contributes to daytime fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems.

On the other hand, a specific class of sleep disorders known as parasomnias refers to abnormal sleep-related behaviours or experiences. These behaviors can include REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep talking, sleepwalking, night terrors, and sleep-related eating disorders. A person who experiences parasomnias may find it difficult to fall asleep and wake up feeling tired, anxious, or embarrassed.

In summary, sleep disorders significantly affect sleep, but typically do so in a more generalized way. This means that sleep disorders affect the overall quality and quantity of sleep. In contrast, parasomnias are characterized by specific abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep.

There are various types of parasomnia, including:

– Sleepwalking – Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is when a person wakes up and moves around while asleep. Sleepwalking can take many different forms, from simply sitting up in bed to wandering the house or even going outside.

– Night terrors – Night terrors are episodes of extreme fear or terror that occur during sleep. They commonly occur in the early stages of sleep, and they can make a person sit up in bed, scream, and experience rapid breathing and heartbeat.

– Sleep talking – Sleep talking, also known as somniloquy, is a type of parasomnia in which the person speaks aloud while they are asleep. The person may not remember what they said when they wake up, and the talking may be coherent or incoherent.

– REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) – During REM sleep, a person with RBD acts out their dreams. This may involve actions like punching, kicking, or jumping out of bed.

– Sleep-related hallucinations – This parasomnia causes a person to have vivid, often frightful hallucinations while they sleep. All of the senses can be involved in the hallucinations, which often leave a person feeling scared or confused when they wake up.

People of all ages and stages of life are susceptible to parasomnia. However, certain age groups are more likely to experience particular parasomnia types.

For instance, children are more likely to sleepwalk than adults. Similarly, adults are more likely to develop sleep-related eating disorders or REM sleep behavior disorder. Both children and adults can experience night terrors, but children do so more commonly.

Additionally, certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or sleep apnea can cause parasomnias. The risk of parasomnia can also be increased by certain medications and substance abuse.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences parasomnia will need treatment, as some cases may be mild or infrequent. However, for those who experience frequent or severe episodes that disrupt their sleep or daily life, it’s crucial to seek treatment. A sleep team member can provide a proper diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.

Call us today to book an appointment with our sleep team, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 2008 Swift Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64116. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Blue Summit MO, North Kansas City MO, Avondale MO, Randolph MO and Westwood MO.