Parasomnias are sleep disorders that involve unnatural movements, behaviors, or emotions during sleep such as sleep walking, sleep talking or night terrors. Parasomnias often happen during specific stages of sleep or in the transition from awake to asleep. With many parasomnias, people appear to be awake, but are still sleeping.
Parasomnias can be caused by many factors including biological reasons, stress, depression or it can run in the family. Common parasomnias include:
- Sleep walking
- Sleep talking
- Sleep terrors
- Confusional arousals
- Restless legs syndrome
- Teeth grinding
- Bed wetting
Parasomnias can be diagnosed by a sleep specialist through a sleep study, but a sleep study may not always be necessary.