Parasomnias can occur during different stages of sleep — some in non-REM sleep (like sleepwalking), and others during REM sleep (like nightmares or acting out dreams). While common in children, they can also affect adults due to stress, sleep deprivation, medications, or underlying conditions.

Symptoms:

• Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) – Getting up and walking around while asleep, often with no memory of the event

• Sleep talking (Somniloquy) – Talking during sleep, ranging from mumbling to full sentences

• Night terrors – Sudden arousals with intense fear, screaming, and confusion, typically without memory afterward

• Acting out dreams (REM Sleep Behavior Disorder) – Physical movements or vocalizations in response to vivid dreams

• Bedwetting or other inappropriate behaviors during sleep, especially in older children or adults