Parasomnias (Part 1)

These are disorders that contribute to sleepless nights and are categorized into two major categories, Primary and Secondary. Primary parasomnias are disorders associated with sleep states further divided into the periods of sleep that they disrupt. Secondary parasomnias are more associated with organ systems which manifest during sleep such as seizures, respiratory dyskenesias (irregular breathing cycles), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and gastro esophageal reflux (vomiting).

Nightmare disorders or anxiety attacks are actually dreams that are so frightening that they increase heart rates and breathing frequencies. This is easily put to rest with reassuring words and comfort form a parent or companion. Causes can be any of the following; Personality disorders, difficulty with a relationship, stress and certain drugs (levodopa, beta-andrenergic drugs and other medication that may suppress the REM cycle of sleep).