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The American Journal of Medicine Mar 2019Sleep disorders are frequent and can have serious consequences on patients' health and quality of life. While some sleep disorders are more challenging to treat, most... (Review)
Review
Sleep disorders are frequent and can have serious consequences on patients' health and quality of life. While some sleep disorders are more challenging to treat, most can be easily managed with adequate interventions. We review the main diagnostic features of 6 major sleep disorders (insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep-disordered breathing, hypersomnia/narcolepsy, parasomnias, and restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder) to aid medical practitioners in screening and treating sleep disorders as part of clinical practice.
Topics: Central Nervous System Depressants; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Chronobiology Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Humans; Mass Screening; Melatonin; Narcolepsy; Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome; Parasomnias; Phototherapy; Polysomnography; Restless Legs Syndrome; Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep Latency; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 30292731
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.09.021 -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Jan 2021Nightmare disorder and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis are rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias that cause significant distress to those who suffer from them.... (Review)
Review
Nightmare disorder and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis are rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias that cause significant distress to those who suffer from them. Nightmare disorder can cause insomnia due to fear of falling asleep through dread of nightmare occurrence. Hyperarousal and impaired fear extinction are involved in nightmare generation, as well as brain areas involved in emotion regulation. Nightmare disorder is particularly frequent in psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Nonmedication treatment, in particular imagery rehearsal therapy, is especially effective. Isolated sleep paralysis is experienced at least once by up to 40% of the general population, whereas recurrence is less frequent. Isolated sleep paralysis can be accompanied by very intense and vivid hallucinations. Sleep paralysis represents a dissociated state, with persistence of REM atonia into wakefulness. Variations in circadian rhythm genes might be involved in their pathogenesis. Predisposing factors include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep-wake schedules, and jetlag. The most effective therapy consists of avoiding those factors.
Topics: Dreams; Humans; Sleep Paralysis; Sleep, REM
PubMed: 33230689
DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00966-8 -
Current Pediatric Reviews 2020Sleep terrors are common, frightening, but fortunately benign events. Familiarity with this condition is important so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sleep terrors are common, frightening, but fortunately benign events. Familiarity with this condition is important so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
OBJECTIVE
To familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of children with sleep terrors.
METHODS
A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key terms "sleep terrors" OR "night terrors". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article.
RESULTS
It is estimated that sleep terrors occur in 1 to 6.5% of children 1 to 12 years of age. Sleep terrors typically occur in children between 4 and 12 years of age, with a peak between 5 and 7 years of age. The exact etiology is not known. Developmental, environmental, organic, psychological, and genetic factors have been identified as a potential cause of sleep terrors. Sleep terrors tend to occur within the first three hours of the major sleep episode, during arousal from stage three or four non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In a typical attack, the child awakens abruptly from sleep, sits upright in bed or jumps out of bed, screams in terror and intense fear, is panicky, and has a frightened expression. The child is confused and incoherent: verbalization is generally present but disorganized. Autonomic hyperactivity is manifested by tachycardia, tachypnea, diaphoresis, flushed face, dilated pupils, agitation, tremulousness, and increased muscle tone. The child is difficult to arouse and console and may express feelings of anxiety or doom. In the majority of cases, the patient does not awaken fully and settles back to quiet and deep sleep. There is retrograde amnesia for the attack the following morning. Attempts to interrupt a sleep terror episode should be avoided. As sleep deprivation can predispose to sleep terrors, it is important that the child has good sleep hygiene and an appropriate sleeping environment. Medical intervention is usually not necessary, but clonazepam may be considered on a short-term basis at bedtime if sleep terrors are frequent and severe or are associated with functional impairment, such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and distress. Anticipatory awakening, performed approximately half an hour before the child is most likely to experience a sleep terror episode, is often effective for the treatment of frequently occurring sleep terrors.
CONCLUSION
Most children outgrow the disorder by late adolescence. In the majority of cases, there is no specific treatment other than reassurance and parental education. Underlying conditions, however, should be treated if possible and precipitating factors should be avoided.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Infant; Night Terrors; Prognosis; Sleep
PubMed: 31612833
DOI: 10.2174/1573396315666191014152136 -
Ideggyogyaszati Szemle May 2022We review the literature on REM parasomnias, and their the underlying mechanisms. Several REM parasomnias are consistent with sleep dissociations, where certain elements... (Review)
Review
We review the literature on REM parasomnias, and their the underlying mechanisms. Several REM parasomnias are consistent with sleep dissociations, where certain elements of the REM sleep pattern emerge in an inadequate time (sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations and cataplexy) or are absent/partial in their normal REM sleep time (REM sleep without atonia, underlying REM sleep behavior disorder). The rest of REM parasomnias (sleep related painful erection, catathrenia) may have other still unclear mechanisms. REM parasomnias deserve attention, because in addition to disturbing sleep and causing injuries, they may shed light on REM sleep functions as well as the heterogeneous etiologies of parasomnias. One of them, REM sleep behavior disorder has special importance as a warning sign of evolving neurodegenerative conditions mainly synucleinopathies (some cases synucleinopathies themselves) and it is a model parasomnia revealing that parasomnias may have by autoimmune, iatrogenic and even psychosomatic etiologies.
Topics: Humans; Parasomnias; REM Sleep Behavior Disorder; Sleep Wake Disorders; Sleep, REM; Synucleinopathies
PubMed: 35819343
DOI: 10.18071/isz.75.0171 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Apr 2018Sleep paralysis is a relatively common but under-researched phenomenon. While the causes are unknown, a number of studies have investigated potential risk factors. In... (Review)
Review
Sleep paralysis is a relatively common but under-researched phenomenon. While the causes are unknown, a number of studies have investigated potential risk factors. In this article, we conducted a systematic review on the available literature regarding variables associated with both the frequency and intensity of sleep paralysis episodes. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. For each study, sample size, study site, sex and age of participants, sleep paralysis measure, and results of analyses looking at the relationship(s) between sleep paralysis and associated variable(s) were extracted. A large number of variables were associated with sleep paralysis and a number of themes emerged. These were: substance use, stress and trauma, genetic influences, physical illness, personality, intelligence, anomalous beliefs, sleep problems and disorders (both in terms of subjective sleep quality and objective sleep disruption), symptoms of psychiatric illness in non-clinical samples (particularly anxiety symptoms), and psychiatric disorders. Sleep paralysis appears to be particularly prevalent in post-traumatic stress disorder, and to a less degree, panic disorder. Limitations of the current literature, directions for future research, and implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Paralysis; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological; Substance-Related Disorders; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 28735779
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.05.005 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Apr 2021This systematic review assessed the prevalence of restless sleep in children, documented the association of restless sleep with other conditions, and summarized the... (Review)
Review
This systematic review assessed the prevalence of restless sleep in children, documented the association of restless sleep with other conditions, and summarized the existing evidence regarding whether restless sleep should be considered a distinct sleep disorder. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed using the broad search term "restless sleep" in all fields. Of the 266 articles retrieved, 107 were retained for inclusion in this review. The majority (n = 93) were observational studies. The studies were grouped under several pathologic/condition categories: sleep-disordered breathing (n = 19); adenotonsillectomy (n = 7); respiratory disorders, otitis media, and smoke exposure (n = 12); sleep-related movement disorders and restless sleep disorder (n = 11); neurologic or psychiatric disorders (n = 7); Down syndrome/other neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 10); sleep-related bruxism and other sleep disorders (n = 7); and restless sleep in the general population/mixed clinical samples (n = 18). A high prevalence of restless sleep was found in children with many of these underlying conditions, likely related to associated inherent sleep disruption and frequent awakenings (e.g., apnea and periodic limb movements), pain, sleep instability, and caregiver perception. The majority of studies identified restless sleep as reported by the caregiver, only 34 studies attempted to define restless sleep further. Four studies provided supportive evidence for designating restless sleep as an independent sleep disorder, restless sleep disorder (RSD). This review highlights the fact that the prevalence, etiology and sequelae (including daytime impairments) of restless sleep in children are important topics deserving of further research and that clinical definitions based on empirical evidence need to be developed. The designation of "primary" versus "secondary" restless sleep may be a useful construct, especially with regard to developing clinical trials and treatment algorithms.
Topics: Child; Humans; Parasomnias; Restless Legs Syndrome; Sleep; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 33341437
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101406 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Dec 2017Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) are common disorders affecting 7.0% and 24.1% of the population in some European countries, respectively.... (Review)
Review
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) are common disorders affecting 7.0% and 24.1% of the population in some European countries, respectively. Patients suffering from RLS experience uncomfortable nocturnal sensations in the legs with the urge to move that dissipates while moving. NLC is characterized by abrupt muscle contraction, most often in the gastrocnemius or foot muscles, which occurs at night and may result in significant sleep disturbances. The diagnosis of these disorders has presented a challenge to health care providers because of symptom overlap with other sensory and motor disturbances with nocturnal predominance. Treatment options and approaches are lacking, partially because of our currently incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. We reviewed the medical literature to provide a comprehensive assessment of RLS and NLC with a focus on improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches.
Topics: Humans; Restless Legs Syndrome; Sleep-Wake Transition Disorders
PubMed: 29120993
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.4148 -
Journal (Canadian Dental Association) 2015Various definitions, classifications and theories been ascribed to bruxism. Knowledge gained through expanding research initiatives have transformed some of the concepts... (Review)
Review
Various definitions, classifications and theories been ascribed to bruxism. Knowledge gained through expanding research initiatives have transformed some of the concepts that were once held as truths. Sleep bruxism is no longer considered a parasomnia nor is its etiology believed to be based on purely mechanical factors or psychological Issues. It is now considered to be primarily a sleep-related movement disorder with a yet to be determined multifactorial etiology involving complex multisystem physiological processes. Dental practitioners should recognize the transformation occurring in the study of sleep bruxism, understand the evolution in both definitions and classification of this phenomenon and embrace and consider new concepts related to its etiology. This paradigm shift will certainly affect the daily practice of dentistry.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Sleep Bruxism
PubMed: 25633110
DOI: No ID Found -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Jan 2021Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors and/or experiences emanating from or associated with sleep typically manifesting as motor movements of varying semiology. We discuss... (Review)
Review
Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors and/or experiences emanating from or associated with sleep typically manifesting as motor movements of varying semiology. We discuss mainly nonrapid eye movement sleep and related parasomnias in this article. Sleepwalking (SW), sleep terrors (ST), confusional arousals, and related disorders result from an incomplete dissociation of wakefulness from nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Conditions that provoke repeated cortical arousals, and/or promote sleep inertia, lead to NREM parasomnias by impairing normal arousal mechanisms. Changes in the cyclic alternating pattern, a biomarker of arousal instability in NREM sleep, are noted in sleepwalking disorders. Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is characterized by a disruption of the nocturnal fast with episodes of feeding after arousal from sleep. SRED is often associated with the use of sedative-hypnotic medications, in particular the widely prescribed benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Compelling evidence suggests that nocturnal eating may in some cases be another nonmotor manifestation of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Initial management should focus upon decreasing the potential for sleep-related injury followed by treating comorbid sleep disorders and eliminating incriminating drugs. Sexsomnia is a subtype of disorders of arousal, where sexual behavior emerges from partial arousal from nonREM sleep. Overlap parasomnia disorders consist of abnormal sleep-related behavior both in nonREM and REM sleep. Status dissociatus is referred to as a breakdown of the sleep architecture where an admixture of various sleep state markers is seen without any specific demarcation. Benzodiazepine therapy can be effective in controlling SW, ST, and sexsomnia, but not SRED. Paroxetine has been reported to provide benefit in some cases of ST. Topiramate, pramipexole, and sertraline can be effective in SRED. Pharmacotherapy for other parasomnias continues to be less certain, necessitating further investigation. NREM parasomnias may resolve spontaneously but require a review of priming and predisposing factors.
Topics: Humans; Parasomnias; Sleep; Sleep Arousal Disorders
PubMed: 33527254
DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01011-y -
Journal of Sleep Research Aug 2022Disorders of arousal (DOA) is an umbrella term initially covering classical sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and confusional arousals, and now including a wider spectrum of... (Review)
Review
Disorders of arousal (DOA) is an umbrella term initially covering classical sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and confusional arousals, and now including a wider spectrum of specialised forms of non rapid eye movement (non REM) parasomnias such as sexsomnia, sleep-related eating disorder, and sleep-related choking syndrome. Growing evidence has shown that DOA are not restricted to children but are also prevalent in adults (2%-4% of the adult population). While DOA run in family, genetics studies remain scarce and inconclusive. In addition to the risk of injury on themselves and others (including sexual assaults in sexsomnia), adults with DOA frequently suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, pain, and altered quality of life. The widespread view of DOA as automatic and amnesiac behaviours has now been challenged by subjective (dream reports) and objective (dream-enacting behaviours documented on video-polysomnography) observations, suggesting that sleepwalkers are 'dream walking' during their episodes. Behavioural, experiential, cognitive, and brain (scalp electroencephalography [EEG], stereo-EEG, high density-EEG, functional brain imaging) data converge in showing a dissociated pattern during the episodes. This dissociated pattern resembles the new concept of local arousal with a wake-like activation in motor and limbic regions and a preserved (or even increased) sleep intensity over a frontoparietal network. EEG and behavioural criteria supporting the DOA diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity are now available. However, treatment is still based on controlling priming and precipitating factors, as well as on clinicians' personal experience with sedative drugs. Placebo-controlled trials are needed to improve patients' treatment. DOA deserve more attention from sleep researchers and clinicians.
Topics: Adult; Arousal; Child; Humans; Night Terrors; Parasomnias; Quality of Life; Sleep Wake Disorders; Somnambulism
PubMed: 35388549
DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13596