More than 4% of the population is known to have parasomnias, and these disruptive sleep disorders are more common if you’re going through a stressful time or struggling to sleep in general. If you’re tired of night terrors, vocalizations, or feeling disoriented when you wake up, turn to the specialists at The Sleep Medicine Institute in Tampa, Florida. Sleep medicine expert Lara Wittine, MD, FAASM, listens carefully to you and personalizes your care to address your symptoms. Start getting the help you need by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.
Parasomnias are disruptions during your entry into sleep, within sleep, or when you’re waking. They are broadly categorized based on the stage of sleep in which they occur, and include:
These parasomnias result in sleepwalking, night terrors, and episodes of disorientation and confusion upon awakening, often involving slow movements and difficulty responding to others.
Because these occur during REM sleep, a phase associated with vivid dreaming, you may lash out or vocalize during dreams or have vivid nightmares. Alternatively, you may be temporarily unable to move or speak when falling asleep or waking, often accompanied by hallucinations.
Other sleep disorders lead to eating or drinking while barely awake, often without recalling it, or hearing a loud noise in your head when falling asleep or waking up.
Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of parasomnia, but often include:
Parasomnias may be triggered or worsened by factors like stress or anxiety, sleep deprivation, or alcohol or sedative use. If you work a job that forces you to have an irregular sleep schedule, you’re at higher risk for parasomnias.
Dr. Wittine gathers information to pinpoint the type of parasomnia you may have, understand your triggers, and address any underlying sleep or medical disorders. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
For complex or potentially harmful parasomnias — especially REM sleep behavior disorder — Dr. Wittine may recommend a sleep study to monitor sleep stages and capture abnormal behaviors for accurate diagnosis. You may be a good candidate for home sleep testing.
Parasomnias can be unsettling or even distressing, but the help you need is only a call away. Get in touch with The Sleep Medicine Institute by phone or via the website today to schedule your consultation.