Types Parasomnia

Confusional Arousals
Common in toddlers, also seen in adults, begins with crying and thrashing in bed.  The sleeper appears to be awake, and seems to be upset and confused, resists attempts to comfort or console. 

Sleep walking
Commonly seen in older children, also seen in adults, can range from simple walking around the bedroom to more complex actions, such as going outdoors or rearranging furniture.

Sleep eating
A variation of sleepwalking, most common in young women.  The sleeper will prepare and eat food.

Sleep talking
Normal phenomenon, rarely of medical importance.

Sleep sex
Rare disorder, primarily seen in young adults and adults.  Sleeper makes sexual advances towards bed-partner.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder
Dream related behavior, “acting out” dreams, can be violent, most commonly seen in older men.  Sleeper will recall vivid dreams, controlled with medications.

Hypnagogic hallucinations
Episodes of dreaming while awake, usually just before going to asleep, content of dream is often threatening.

Sleep paralysis
The experience of waking up, usually following a dream with a feeling the muscles are paralyzed.  Common in people with narcolepsy.

Rhythmic-movement disorder
Most common in young children, can also occur in adults.  Recurrent headbanging, headrolling and body rocking, sleeper may hum or moan also.

Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Very common occurrences, in severe cases mouth devices help reduce dental injury.