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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 29, 2025

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
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The Parasomnias.

Oliviero Bruni1, Lourdes M DelRosso2, Maria Grazia Melegari1

  • 1Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, Rome 00185, Italy.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|November 23, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Parasomnias, common in childhood, can impact quality of life. Early recognition and management, including sleep hygiene, are key for pediatricians and child psychiatrists.

Keywords:
Confusional arousalsNREM parasomniasREM-related parasomniasSleep enuresisSleep terrorsSleepwalking

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Parasomnias are common sleep disorders in children, often resolving spontaneously.
  • Diagnosis of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias relies on clinical descriptions and can be difficult.
  • Rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias may indicate underlying psychiatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of parasomnias in children.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges and potential underlying conditions.
  • To outline initial management strategies for pediatric parasomnias.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on parasomnias.
  • It focuses on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
  • Expert recommendations for pediatricians and child psychiatrists are discussed.

Main Results:

  • Parasomnias are prevalent in childhood, with NREM-related types posing diagnostic challenges.
  • REM-related parasomnias warrant consideration for associated psychiatric disorders.
  • Even benign parasomnias can affect a child's quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatricians and child psychiatrists need familiarity with parasomnias.
  • Initial management includes sleep hygiene, avoiding sleep deprivation, and consistent bedtimes.
  • Referral to a sleep specialist may be necessary for complex cases.