What is Parasomnia?
Parasomnia is a group of sleep disorders in which a person experiences unusual behaviors, movements, emotions, or activities during sleep or while transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. These behaviors may include sleepwalking, nightmares, talking in sleep, night terrors, teeth grinding, or acting out dreams. Parasomnias are more common in children but can affect adults due to stress, sleep deprivation, medications, or underlying medical conditions. Although parasomnia episodes may seem harmless, they can sometimes cause injuries, disturbed sleep, and emotional stress. Early evaluation and proper treatment help improve sleep quality and prevent complications.
What are the common symptoms of Parasomnia?
Symptoms vary depending on the type, but often include:
- Sleepwalking or wandering at night
- Talking, shouting, or crying during sleep
- Nightmares or frightening dreams
- Night terrors with sudden screaming
- Acting out dreams (REM behavior disorder)
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
- Sudden jerks or movements in sleep
- Bedwetting (in children)
- Confusion or disorientation upon waking
- Difficulty recalling episodes
Some people may not remember anything that happened during the episode.
Types of Parasomnia
Parasomnias are broadly divided into:
- NREM (Non-REM) Parasomnias
These happen in deep sleep:
- Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
- Sleep talking (Somniloquy)
- Night terrors
- Confusional arousals
- REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Parasomnias
These occur during dream sleep:
- Nightmares
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) — acting out dreams
- Sleep paralysis
- Other Parasomnias
Includes:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Sleep-related eating disorder
- Exploding head syndrome (hearing loud noises while falling asleep)
- Bedwetting (Nocturnal enuresis)
What causes Parasomnia?
Parasomnia develops when the brain is partially awake and partially asleep, leading to abnormal sleep behaviors. Common causes include:
- Stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma
- Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedule
- Genetics or family history of parasomnia
- Fever in children
- Sleep apnea
- Certain medications
- Substance use (alcohol, drugs)
- Neurological conditions
- Hormonal changes
- Nighttime noise or disturbances
Who is at risk of developing Parasomnia?
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are you a child or a teenager
- Have a family history of sleep disorders
- Experience high stress or anxiety
- Have irregular sleep habits
- Consume alcohol or sedatives
- Have sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
- Have neurological conditions
- Have had recent trauma or emotional stress
Is Parasomnia a serious condition?
Most parasomnias are not dangerous and may improve with age. However, if episodes are frequent or severe, they may:
- Disturb sleep quality
- Increase risk of self-injury (during sleepwalking or RBD)
- Affects mental and emotional health
- Impact daily functioning and concentration
- Indicate underlying neurological or psychological issues
Proper diagnosis and treatment help avoid long-term complications.
How is Parasomnia diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and sleep-focused tests, such as:
- Sleep history: Understanding symptoms and night behaviors
- Physical and neurological examination
- Sleep diary or video recording of sleep episodes
- Polysomnography (sleep study): To monitor brain waves, movement, and sleep stages
- Blood tests: To rule out metabolic issues
- Mental health screening: For stress or anxiety-related triggers
How is Parasomnia treated?
Treatment focuses on improving sleep quality, reducing episodes, and addressing underlying causes.
Conventional Medical Treatment
- Behavioral therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
- Sleep hygiene improvement
- Medication (in severe cases): sedatives or antidepressants
- Treat underlying conditions: sleep apnea, anxiety, or neurological issues
Lifestyle adjustments are essential for long-term improvement.
How is Parasomnia treated through Homoeopathy?
Homeopathy provides a gentle and holistic approach to treating parasomnia by calming the nervous system, reducing nighttime anxiety, regulating sleep cycles, and improving emotional balance. It helps decrease the frequency and intensity of sleepwalking, nightmares, night terrors, and other parasomnias.
Individualized Approach
At Dr. Sanjay’s Homoeopathy, treatment is tailored based on the type of parasomnia, emotional triggers, stress levels, sleep habits, and overall health. Remedies aim to improve deep sleep, reduce nighttime restlessness, and restore mental calmness.
Commonly Used Homoeopathic Medicines for Parasomnia
- Kali Phosphoricum: For restless sleep due to stress or exhaustion
- Stramonium: For night terrors with fear and screaming
- Arsenicum Album: For anxiety, nightmares, or fear of being alone
- Nux Vomica: For disturbed sleep due to lifestyle, work pressure, or stimulants
- Belladonna: For sleepwalking and sudden nighttime awakening
- Ignatia Amara: For sleep problems after emotional stress or grief
(Medicines are chosen based on individual symptoms and personality.)
Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment
- Reduces the frequency of sleepwalking, night terrors, and nightmares
- Calms the mind and nervous system
- Improves sleep quality and duration
- Reduces emotional triggers like stress or grief
- Safe for children and adults
- No dependency or side effects
- Supports long-term, natural sleep regulation
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips for Parasomnia
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals at night
- Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
- Ensure a safe sleep environment (lock doors/windows, remove sharp objects)
- Encourage children to follow calming bedtime routines
- Get regular physical activity
- Avoid sleeping in an overtired state
Can Parasomnia be prevented?
Yes, in many cases. You can prevent or reduce episodes by:
- Managing stress effectively
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene
- Getting 7–8 hours of restful sleep
- Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, or sedatives
- Treating underlying medical or psychological conditions
- Creating a safe and peaceful sleep environment
Why choose Dr. Sanjay’s Homoeopathy for Parasomnia Treatment in Lucknow, India?
Dr. Sanjay’s Homoeopathy is a trusted clinic for safe and effective Parasomnia treatment in Lucknow, India. With years of expertise, Dr. Sanjay provides specialized homeopathy treatment that helps manage sleepwalking, night terrors, sleep talking, restless sleep, sudden awakenings, and abnormal nighttime behaviors naturally without side effects. As a leading homeopathic doctor for Parasomnia Treatment in Lucknow, India, he follows international treatment standards and offers personalized care that focuses on calming the nervous system, improving sleep quality, reducing nighttime disturbances, and addressing underlying emotional or neurological triggers. Patients choose Dr. Sanjay’s Homoeopathy for its holistic healing, long-lasting relief, and compassionate approach in managing sleep-related conditions like Parasomnia.
Patients from across the world trusts Dr. Sanjay’s Homoeopathy for Parasomnia Treatment in Lucknow, India. Dr. Sanjay Singh who led this clinic has successfully treated thousands of patients with Parasomnia, which makes him the best doctor for Parasomnia in Lucknow.
