Understanding Pediatric Parasomnias

Sleeping disorders affect children and adults as well. Parasomnias are sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, teeth grinding, night terrors, nightmares, rhythmic movement disorder, REM behaviour disorder, restless legs syndrome, and somniloquy or sleep-talking. These sleep disorders are characterized by partial arousals during sleep or transitions between wakefulness and sleep. When they affect children they are known as pediatric parasomnias.

Parasomnia actually activate physiological systems at inappropriate times. This occurs during the sleep-wake cycle. In particular, these sleep disorders activates autonomic nervous system, motor system, or cognitive processes during sleep or sleep-wake transitions.

The signs of parasomnia differ from one disorder to the other. For an instance, night terrors comprise fearful waking along with rapid heartbeat. Sometimes it also includes screaming. But sleepwalking symptoms include wandering around while in a deep sleep. These parasomnia disorders have one thing in common, that is, an individual is asleep during the occurrence.

Parasomnias start to appear as a young child's brain and body develop. In the majority of children sleep-related behaviors gradually go away without treatment as the child enters teenage years. These behaviors are considered as a disorder when they occur frequently and disturb the lives of the child and/or the family. Children affected with parasomnia may sleep in unusual positions, or with their eyes open. Some of the common symptoms in children are arched backs, heads thrown back or sleeping upside down are all common symptoms. Parasomnias affected child appears to be confused or afraid. Usually the child never becomes completely awake. The child has no memory of the event in the next morning. In almost all cases a parasomnia is not related to any sort of mental problem in children. Sleep-talking is often reported in 50 per cent of young children; with most of them outgrowing it by puberty, although it may continue into adulthood. Just like symptoms the causes also vary depending on different conditions. External reasons include stress, depression or anxiety, whereas other parasomnias are genetic in nature. To properly cure a parasomnia one must view the treatment based upon the actual present condition. If your child is over tired or is taking some medication then it may worsen the condition. In some cases, these disorders are due to other conditions, such as sleep apnea, heartburn, or periodic limb movement during sleep. Although parasomnias are quite common and harmless, they can be an acute problem for some children. Parents should consult a sleep specialist if a sleep problem disturbs their child to a great extent. It is important to keep in mind that parasomnias do not generally last for long, its presence is short. This reason makes its treatment conventional with regard to medicines and the like. Thus, the most frequently used treatment for this is improving sleeping habits.