BRUXISM
This condition is one of the most common sleep disorders but most are unaware they have it since 95% of people will develop no symptoms. It is defined by grinding of the teeth and can be initiated by factors such as stress, drinking, some medications, smoking, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms that may present themselves after sleep are morning headaches, earaches, and facial, neck, jaw, shoulder or back pain. The most serious damage is usually done to the teeth however. There is no present cure to stop the teeth grinding, but dentists usually recommend a mouth guard or splint to stop the teeth from being damaged(5).
SLEEPWALKING
Sleepwalking is a widely known sleep disorder having very distinguishable features. People that sleepwalk show complex automatic behaviours such as wandering aimlessly, carrying objects without any purpose, going outdoors, and even performing complex tasks such as driving. The person in this state may mumble, however communication with them is usually poor. These behaviours tend to occur within slow wave stages of non-REM sleep (or within the first few hours of sleep). Fatigue, stress, anxiety, and fever are factors found to contribute to sleepwalking. Other conditions such as panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder have also been shown to be related. Sleepwalking does not usually need to be treated, as you can usually lead the sleepwalker back to their bed. They may be disoriented or confused if woken however. Sleepwalking becomes a problem when it poses a risk of injury to the patient or others, or of they feel excessivly tired throughout the day(5).
NIGHT TERRORS
Night terrors are very common in children between the ages of four and twelve. They will display screaming, thrashing, sitting up in bed or even running around their bedroom during sleep. This type of behaviour primarily occurs during stages 3 and 4 of non-REM sleep (2 or 3 hours after the child has fallen asleep). These episodes normally last for only a few minutes. The child may try to resist if someone attempts to hold or comfort them, but after they wake they generally have no recollection of the incident. This behaviour rarely needs treatment, however they can pose a danger to themselves if they come into contact with other objects(5).
WHAT HAS RESEARCH SHOWN ABOUT PARASOMNIAS?
Parasomnias have been shown to be more common in children of higher socioeconomic status(25). It is also common for parasomnias to be confused with frontal lobe epilepsy since both often occur during sleep and both present with sudden bursts of sometimes violent movement(26). Studies have also found that parasomnias and other sleep disorders can worsen the symptoms of epilepsy, and that the treatment of one often improves the other. This suggests a possible common physiological background for parasomnias and nocturnal seizures(27).