Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep Arousal Disorders are a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviors during the non-rapid eye movement stage of sleep. This group of disorders includes confusional arousals, sleepwalking, and sleep terrors. These disorders are characterized by partial arousals from sleep that result in complex and sometimes dangerous behaviors.
Confusional arousals are characterized by episodes of confusion and disorientation upon awakening from sleep. These episodes can be brief or last for several minutes. Individuals experiencing confusional arousals may exhibit slow speech, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. These episodes are more common in children and tend to decrease in frequency with age.
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, involves getting up from bed and walking around while still asleep. Sleepwalkers may perform routine activities such as getting dressed or going to the bathroom. More complex behaviors such as driving a car or preparing a meal have also been reported. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the first few hours of sleep and can last from a few minutes to an hour.
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are characterized by sudden awakenings from sleep accompanied by intense fear and panic. Individuals experiencing sleep terrors may scream, cry, or thrash around in bed. These episodes can last for several minutes and are often followed by a period of confusion upon waking. Sleep terrors are more common in children and tend to decrease in frequency with age.
NREM Sleep Arousal Disorders can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. These disorders can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive functioning. In addition, these behaviors can be dangerous, with individuals at risk for injury to themselves or others. Treatment for NREM Sleep Arousal Disorders may involve behavior modification techniques, such as improving sleep hygiene and reducing stress. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help control symptoms.