Parasomnias

Parasomnias

When a person has trouble when going to sleep, waking up, or during sleep due to disturbances like vivid dreams or physical movements, it may be one of the sleep disorders known as parasomnias. From bad dreams to sleepwalking, there are many disturbances that can cause problems. The causes vary, but they are generally a combination of physical and psychological factors. Sleep is a very important part of life. Any disturbances in it can have extreme negative effects on a person's life. This is why we offer online therapy for parasomnias here at Mentaline.com.

Types of Parasomnias

These are the general types of parasomnias that affect most people.

• Nightmare Terror - Bad dreams during REM sleep involving fear or terror that cause a person to wake completely from sleep. People typically clearly remember the dream and the source of the fear.
• Sleep Terror Disorder - Unlike nightmares, people with sleep terror disorder only awaken partially after having bad dreams that occur during non-REM sleep, although they may be more vocal. Also, there is usually no memory of what was so frightening in the dream.  
• Sleepwalking Disorder - When a person has motor activity during sleep at night.  
• Unspecified Parasomnia - If someone exhibits symptoms from different parasomnias but it cannot be tied to one, this is the diagnosis used.

Causes of Parasomnias

The exact causes of the sleep disorder are going to vary depending on the particular type of parasomnia present, but there are some common elements. The disorders are thought to be hereditary in some cases, although there are usually outside factors that cause the disorder to become a problem. These may include trauma to the brain or even hormonal changes. Whatever the cause, these sleep disorders can be difficult to deal with.

Dangers of Parasomnias and Treatment Options

If left untreated, these sleeping disorders can lead to other mental disorders. There are also physical risks associated with some of them, especially sleepwalking disorder. Here at Mentaline.com, you can find trained therapists who specialize in these types of sleeping disorders, and they can educate and give guidance needed to understand and deal with parasomnias. Treatment will vary depending on the person and the specific type of sleep disorder present, but they all combine therapy and counseling with the power of the Internet to connect people. It has never been easier to get the help needed to deal with parasomnias.

Definition of Parasomnias

Parasomnias are sleeping disorders that affect a person during the transition between sleep and wakefulness as well as during sleep. Unnatural behaviors, dreams, emotions, or movements before, during or just after sleep cause the disturbances. Therapy and counseling are both helpful with these type of sleep disorders.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Parasomnias

• Anxiety about sleep
• Trouble falling asleep
• Avoiding sleep
• Vivid, terrifying dreams that repeat
• Rising in bed during sleep
• Unresponsive when sleepwalking
• No memory of the sleepwalking event
• Social and relationship problems related to the sleepwalking

Counselors in

Mentaline.com is the world's biggest online therapy and coaching universe with hundreds of therapists and coaches available for online sessions.

We've listed the top professionals in this specialty below.