Definition: Parasomnias, unlike dyssomnias including insomnia and related sleep disorders, are sleep-like disorders often resulting in terrifying wakening during the night. Common types of parasomnias include sleepwalking, night terrors, nightmares and REM or Non-REM sleep disorders. Like insomnia, parasomnia results in fatigue and may cause confusion. Many patients with parasomnias outgrow them, or find they have vivid dreams that result in fear or anxiety. Sleep talking is one of the most common forms of parasomnia and is less disruptive to a person's sleep than other forms of parasomnia.
Pronunciation: pair-uh-sohm-knee-uh
Also Known As: night terrors, nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, REM disorders, sleep disturbances, rhythmic sleep disorders
Common Misspellings: Parinsomnia
Examples: Children commonly outgrow parasomnias by the time they reach young adulthood, though they might later develop another sleep disorder like insomnia.