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Non-Rapid Eye Movement Parasomnias

Mehran Farid1, Clete A. Kushida

  • 1Sleep Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Suite 3301, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. clete@stanford.edu

Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|May 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Non-rapid eye movement parasomnias disrupt sleep and are common in children. Sleep-disordered breathing, arousals, and seizure disorders can trigger these events, requiring prompt evaluation for severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Non-rapid eye movement parasomnias are sleep disruptions characterized by physical or experiential phenomena.
  • These events are prevalent in pediatric populations, with many children outgrowing them.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the understanding of non-rapid eye movement parasomnias.
  • To highlight potential triggers and diagnostic considerations for parasomnias.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of non-rapid eye movement parasomnias.
  • Discussion of associated conditions and diagnostic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Sleep-stage shifts due to sleep-disordered breathing and arousals can precipitate parasomnias.
  • Seizure disorders are a critical differential diagnosis for parasomnias.

Conclusions:

  • Parasomnias, particularly in children, require careful evaluation for underlying causes.
  • Prompt medical attention is necessary for violent or injurious sleepwalking episodes.

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