News

To future roommate: Sorry for sleep talking

Mar 24 2017...

I enjoy talking – in the grocery store, on the internet, with my friends, and even when no one is listening. So when I first learned I was talking out-loud in my sleep, I wasn’t surprised at all. It was at summer camp, and I awoke one morning to my cabin-mates giggling at me. READ MORE>>

Sleepwalkers don’t feel pain during sleep

Nov 05 2015...

A new study shows that sleepwalkers tend to feel no pain while walking during sleep. As a result they stay asleep even when injured. The study involved 100 sleepwalkers. They had an average age of 30 years. Results show that sleepwalkers were sensitive to pain while awake. READ MORE>>

Adult sleepwalking serious condition that impacts quality of life

Feb 28 2013...

A new study found that adult sleepwalking is a potentially serious condition that may induce violent behaviors and affect health-related quality of life.

“We found a higher frequency of daytime sleepiness, fatigue, insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms and altered quality of life in patients with sleepwalking compared to the control group,” said Yves Dauvilliers, MD, PhD, the study’s principal investigator and lead author. Dr. Dauvilliers is professor of physiology and neurology and director of the sleep lab at Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital in Montpellier, France. “What would usually be considered a benign condition, adult sleepwalking is a potentially serious condition and the consequences of sleepwalking episodes should not be ignored.” READ MORE>>

Comparing Child Parasomnias

Nov 11 2012...

Parasomnias are sleep disorders that involve undesirable events and experiences. These behaviors are common in children. For the most part, they are a normal part of childhood.

Some of these disorders are similar to one another. They share some common features. The following chart will help you distinguish one parasomnia from another.

Although they tend to be common and harmless, parasomnias can be a severe problem for some children. You should contact an AASM accredited sleep disorders center if a sleep problem greatly disturbs your child. READ MORE>>

Sexsomnia: It’s more common than you think

Jun 07 2010...

The description is eye-opening, and the frequency sexsomnia occurs is even more surprising. New research presented at SLEEP 2010 suggests nearly eight percent of patients at sleep disorder clinics report having sex while asleep. READ MORE>>

Sleep paralysis: The devil, the ghost & the Old Hag

Jul 29 2009...

You’re waking up or falling asleep, and suddenly you’re unable to move. Your body becomes paralyzed as if an unseen weight is upon you. This describes a typical episode of sleep paralysis. It is a common sleep disorder that is classified as a “parasomnia.” READ MORE>>

My Child Bangs His Head in Bed as He Sleeps

Feb 01 2009...

For a parent it is one of the most disturbing sleep disorders. You hear a strange sound coming from your young son’s bedroom at night. So you go in his room to see what’s wrong. You find your son banging his head into the pillow or mattress. He repeats this action over and over again. Or he may be sitting up, banging the back of his head against the wall or the headboard.

The bizarre sight may send a shock of fear through your body. But what you’re seeing is common, and it is rarely harmful. Head banging during sleep is an example of sleep related rhythmic movement disorder. RMD is very common in healthy infants and children. It can occur in both boys and girls. READ MORE>>

Hypnosis may help people with parasomnias such as nightmares, sleepwalking

Aug 28 2007...

A long-term study shows that hypnosis may be an effective treatment option for people with certain parasomnias. The study indicates that hypnosis may be most effective at treating nightmares and sleepwalking. People with sleep terrors may be less likely to improve after hypnotic treatment. READ MORE>>

Afraid and confused: understanding childhood parasomnias

Jul 10 2007...

Parasomnias are sleep disorders that involve undesirable events and experiences. They occur during sleep, as you fall asleep or as you wake up. These sleep-related behaviors are very common in children and for the most part are a normal part of childhood. READ MORE>>

Taking sleep medications for insomnia

Mar 14 2007...

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that you talk to your doctor if you have insomnia. For a severe case of ongoing insomnia, he or she may refer you to a sleep specialist. READ MORE>>