Non Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorder

About Non Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorder

Non rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder covers sleepwalking and sleep terrors, which arise from incomplete awakening, usually from deep sleep in the first part of the night. During sleepwalking a person may get out of bed and walk or perform complex behaviors while largely unresponsive. Sleep terrors involve abrupt awakenings with a scream, intense fear and signs of physiological arousal, with the person difficult to comfort. In both cases there is little or no dream recall and usually little memory of the episode the next day. These events are common in childhood and often decrease with age, while persistence or onset in adulthood is less common. Episodes tend to run in families and may be triggered by sleep deprivation, stress, fever, some medications and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. The disorder is diagnosed when episodes cause distress, impairment or safety risks. Management focuses on safety, regular sleep and addressing triggers, with psychological approaches or medication considered for frequent or risky episodes.