The parasomnias
Parasomnias associated with non-REM sleep (or “disorders of arousal”)
• Confusional arousals
• Sleep terrors
• Sleepwalking (somnambulism)
• Sleep-related eating disorder
Parasomnias associated with REM sleep
• Nightmare disorder
• Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis
• REM sleep behavior disorder
Other parasomnias
• Sleep-related dissociative disorders
• Exploding head syndrome
• Sleep-related hallucinations
• Sleep enuresis
• Parasomnia, unspecified
• Parasomnia due to medication or substance
• Parasomnia due to medical disorder
1.
Disorders occurring during NREM sleep, such as confusional arousals (CA), sleep terrors (ST), sleep walking, and sleep-related eating disorder (SRED)
2.
Disorders occurring during REM sleep such as nightmare disorder, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (SP)
3.
Other disorders, including sleep-related hallucinations, exploding head syndrome, and sleep-related dissociative disorder
In light of their specific pathophysiology, parasomnias must be distinguished from other conditions that occur during sleep and also presenting with important motor or behavioral activity such as nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) and sleep-related movement disorders (such as rhythmic movement disorders (RMDs) resulting in head banging, periodic limb movements, etc.). As opposed to parasomnias, these disorders are not related to a disruption of sleep state stability. Although parasomnias can present with an important motor component, they should also be distinguished from movement disorders, which are more simple, stereotyped, and purely motor phenomena.
Non-REM Parasomnias
NREM parasomnias result from an incomplete arousal from the deepest stage of sleep (for this reason, they are also called “disorders of arousal”), which predominantly takes place during the first half of the night [4]. NREM parasomnias are thought to be caused by increased sleep inertia impairing normal arousal mechanisms and/or sleep fragmentation (related to noise, pain, or comorbid disorders as detailed below). They occur more frequently in children and can persist during adulthood, whereas adult onset is less common and is often secondary to an underlying sleep, medical, or psychiatric disorder or due to sedative medications. The NREM parasomnias can be placed on a continuum of increasing behavioral activity dominated by confusion, limited response to environmental stimuli, and subsequent amnesia, which can have medicolegal implications when leading to violent behaviors involving bed partners, household members, or other individuals within proximity to the patient [5, 6]. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording during the events often reveals maintenance of delta slow-wave activity characteristic of NREM sleep or the simultaneous presence of slow and faster alpha frequencies (only seen during wakefulness and REM sleep) in different subsets of brain structures. In addition to a family history of NREM parasomnias, risk factors include hypnotic use (typically the benzodiazepine receptor modulators), sleep deprivation resulting in deepened sleep or sudden forced awakening, disruption of circadian rhythm, or any conditions fragmenting sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless leg syndrome (RLS) in the case of sleepwalking, narcolepsy, as well as physical or emotional stress [1, 7–11]. In most cases, the diagnosis is based on history and can be supported by a video recording of the event. However an in-lab overnight study with video polysomnography (PSG) utilizing expanded electromyography (EMG) montage and sometimes EEG is indicated in atypical, refractory, or severe cases, as well as de novo forms in adults. Such a study allows for distinguishing NREM parasomnias from other conditions manifesting with abnormal nocturnal agitation, such as RBD or NFLE. It should also be performed when a concomitant sleep disorder is suspected. NREM parasomnias are generally benign and when occurring in children, usually remit by later adolescent years. Management should include reassurance, environmental changes to minimize risks of injury, avoidance of triggering factors, and treatment of any associated sleep disorders that could contribute to sleep fragmentation [11] (Table 13.2). Family or roommates should be discouraged from waking up the individual during an episode, as this is generally counterproductive and may aggravate confusion and agitation [6]. Psychotherapy is only indicated when an underlying psychopathology is suspected. Although its efficacy is inconsistent, pharmacotherapy is indicated in most violent cases. Although they can contribute to the emergence of NREM parasomnias, longer-acting benzodiazepines such as clonazepam can be used to decrease sleep fragmentation. Various antidepressant medications have also been used but have limited efficacy (Table 13.2).
Table 13.2
Distinctive features and management of NREM, REM parasomnias, and nocturnal seizures
Feature | Confusional arousals | Sleep terrors | Sleepwalking | REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) | REM nightmares | Sleep paralysis | Nocturnal seizures |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timing | Usually occur in the first third of the night, out of NREM sleep | More often occur in the last third of the night, out of REM sleep | Usually arising on awakening from REM | At any time of night, usually from NREM sleep, extremely rare during REM sleep | |||
Behavior semiology/onset | Sudden arousals with confusion, disorientation | Screaming arousals, inconsolable crying, agitation and strong autonomic discharge, limited dream recollection if any | Silent ambulation in the house but can be confused/agitated if arousal is forced | Dream enactment (punching, kicking, talking, yelling, etc.) | Paroxysmal awakenings with anxiety and vivid dream recall | Inability to move or vocalize despite being fully awake, sometimes associated with hallucinations | Preceding aura is suggestive. Paroxysmal events with dystonic limb posturing, head deviation, vocalizations, important motor component in frontal lobe seizures. Awareness can be preserved during the event, during partial nocturnal seizures |
Duration | Seconds to minutes | Seconds to minutes | 1–10 min | 1–10 min | Seconds to minutes | Seconds to minutes | Usually less than 1 min |
Termination | Progressive, slow, returns to sleep | Rapid, awakens easily | Rapid | ||||
Multiplicity | Less likely to occur multiple times in a single night | May occur several times a week and multiple times during the night and also during naps | |||||
Postictal behavior | Limited to no recall of the events with confusion | Recall is usually present, at times with vivid details | Variable: Complete recall when partial to amnesia or confusion when generalized | ||||
PSG | Persistent delta slow-wave activity can be associated with faster alpha frequencies and increased CAP (cyclic alternating pattern, CAP, is the EEG marker of unstable sleep and may be seen in disorders of arousals) | Abnormal increased chin or limb EMG tone during REM sleep (Atonia is noted during normal REM sleep) | Dense eye (phasic) movements during REM | Mixture of REM and awake EEG with decreased chin or limb EMG tone | Spikes or sharp waves can be seen on EEG | ||
Tachycardia and tachypnea can be noted with sleep terrors | EEG is generally negative in cases of deep mesial seizure focus | ||||||
Family history | Usually positive for similar events | Absent | May be positive | May be positive | May be positive especially in cases of autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE)] | ||
Treatment | – Reassurance | • Level A: safety intervention | • Reassurance | • Reassurance | Antiepileptic medications | ||
– Avoid precipitants (sleep deprivation, benzodiazepine receptor modulators) | • Consider iatrogenic causes: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCA antidepressants | • Consider iatrogenic causes: (SSRIs, SNRIs, beta blockers, levodopa) | • Restoration of a regular sleep pattern in case of sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbances (shift work, jet lag) | Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsies are very responsive to carbamazepine (CBZ) | |||
– Safeguard the sleep environment and protect the patient | Level B:L – Clonazepam – Melatonin (3–12 mg before bedtime) | • Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) | • REM-suppressing agents such as antidepressants (SSRIs) | ||||
– Educate family and roommates | Melatonin (3–12 mg before bedtime) | • Hypnotherapy | |||||
– Treat any comorbid primary sleep disorders (OSA, RLS) | • Psychotherapy | ||||||
– Long-acting benzodiazepines (clonazepam) | |||||||
Anticipatory awakenings | Treat underlying RLS when present | ||||||
Clomipramine | Paroxetine | Paroxetine | |||||
Trazodone | Imipramine |
Confusional Arousals
CA are partial awakenings with an impaired state of consciousness lasting seconds to minutes, during which the individual appears bewildered and displays a variety of clumsy and disorganized behaviors sometimes associated with unintelligible speech. Although not typical, aggressive and sexual behaviors (sexsomnia) toward bystanders or a bed partner can occur. In contrast with nocturnal seizures, the behavior is less stereotyped and less likely to occur multiple times in a night or during naps. CA are common, with a lifetime and current prevalence of 18 % and 7 % in the adult population, respectively [12]. Children generally outgrow this disorder; however some may progress to develop sleepwalking later in life. Avoiding precipitating triggers and safety intervention generally suffice. When indicated, clomipramine has shown some efficacy.
Sleep Terrors
ST are common, with a lifetime and current prevalence of 10 % an 3 % respectively, in the adult population [12]. The episodes follow a characteristic semiology of intense fear, causing marked autonomic activation in response to frightening dreams during which the patient suddenly sits up in bed, screams, cries, and in some cases jumps out of bed as an attempt to escape from an invisible threat. During the episode, which generally lasts a few minutes, the affected patient is not awake and does not respond to reassurance. As opposed to nightmare disorder and RBD, recollection of dream content is limited to sketchy fragments or to a single frightening image. ST occur more often in children and usually resolve by the late teenage years. Specific therapies involve anticipatory awakenings when ST occur at a consistent time every night. Paroxetine and trazodone have proven to be efficacious in some cases.
Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
Sleepwalking (SW) affects up to 7 % of children and about 3 % of adults [13]. The parasomnia consists of episodes of ambulation with partial awareness and impaired judgment, which can last up to 30 min and are sometimes accompanied by purposeless behaviors. The individual usually keeps his eyes open with a blank expression, moves slowly, and avoids obstacles, before returning to bed or waking up in an unexpected location. More complex behaviors can occur, such as preparing food, randomly rearranging furniture, or even driving in a few cases. In some cases, the behavior is associated with a frightening image or dream, causing the individual to run away from a perceived threat. Such cases make the diagnosis difficult to distinguish from RBD. All patients with SW should be screened and treated for RLS given the association between the two disorders [10]. If indicated, pharmacotherapy can involve paroxetine or imipramine.
Case 1
A 26-year-old female with a history of night terrors during childhood presents with her boyfriend for evaluation of abnormal nocturnal behaviors. They report frequent episodes of sudden awakenings in the first hours of the night, associated with a sense of panic and agitation, sometimes screaming that “some bugs” are “running” after her; the patient sometimes recalls fragments of dreams involving cockroaches. On other occasions, her boyfriend has seen her getting out of bed in her sleep and walking in the apartment. She would sometimes stand next to the window, open the blinds, and look outside with a blank stare for a few minutes before going back to bed. Other times, she would just wander aimlessly in the apartment. When her partner attempts to awaken her, she remains confused for a few minutes before returning to sleep. The morning after, she usually wakes up very tired but has no recollection of the episode. Her partner also reports that she often talks in her sleep and on a few occasions, she tried to kiss him and attempted to have sexual intercourse without awakening. She noted that some of these episodes are associated with consumption of alcohol the evening prior and also occur more frequently when she lacks sleep.

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