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Parasomnia Treatment in Bingham Farms, MI

What are Parasomnias?

Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors, movements, emotions, perceptions, or dreams that occur during sleep or the transitions between sleep and wakefulness. These episodes can be disruptive, distressing, and in some cases dangerous. At Sleep Health & Wellness, Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres specializes in the evaluation and treatment of parasomnias, helping patients in Bingham Farms and throughout Metro Detroit achieve safer, more restful sleep.

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This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult with Dr. Tovar-Torres to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

A woman sits cross-legged on a bed in a dimly lit room, facing a window with soft daylight filtering in. She appears to be deep in thought or meditation, and the atmosphere is calm and contemplative.

Types of Parasomnia

  • NREM Parasomnias
    These occur during non-rapid eye movement sleep, typically in the first half of the night:
  • Sleepwalking (somnambulism)
    Walking or performing complex behaviors while asleep, with no memory of the episode upon waking
  • Sleep terrors (night terrors)
    Episodes of intense fear, screaming, or agitation during sleep, usually with no dream recall
  • Confusional arousals
    Waking in a confused state, often with slow or inappropriate responses to the environment
  • Sleep-related eating disorder
    Eating while partially asleep, often with no awareness
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
    During normal REM sleep, the body is temporarily paralyzed. In RBD, this paralysis does not occur, causing individuals to physically act out their dreams. This can involve talking, shouting, punching, or kicking, and poses a risk of injury to the individual or their bed partner.
  • Nightmares and Nightmare Disorder
    Frequent, distressing nightmares that disrupt sleep and cause significant daytime impairment may indicate nightmare disorder, particularly when associated with trauma or anxiety.
  • Sleep Paralysis
    Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, sometimes accompanied by hallucinations.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Parasomnias

Symptoms and Warning Signs

  • Unusual movements or vocalizations during sleep reported by a bed partner
  • Waking with no memory of nighttime activity
  • Injuries sustained during sleep
  • Disrupted sleep or daytime fatigue related to nighttime episodes
  • Distressing, recurring nightmares
  • Acting out dreams physically during sleep

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing parasomnias typically involves a detailed clinical interview, a review of your sleep history and any witnessed behaviors, and an overnight sleep study (polysomnography). In cases of suspected RBD, the polysomnogram includes video monitoring and additional muscle activity recording to capture behavior during REM sleep.

Treatment for Parasomnias

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the parasomnia. Dr. Tovar-Torres will develop a personalized plan that may include:

  • Safety modifications: Securing the sleep environment to reduce injury risk
  • Medication: Certain medications can reduce the frequency and intensity of parasomnia episodes
  • Treatment of underlying conditions: Sleep apnea, anxiety, and medication side effects can all contribute to parasomnias and must be addressed
  • Behavioral therapies: Including imagery rehearsal therapy for nightmare disorder
  • Sleep hygiene improvements: Maintaining consistent sleep and wake times and avoiding sleep deprivation, which is a known trigger for NREM parasomnias

When to Seek Evaluation

If you or someone you live with is experiencing unusual sleep behaviors that cause distress, disruption, or safety concerns, a sleep evaluation is recommended. REM sleep behavior disorder in particular warrants prompt evaluation, as it has been associated with certain neurological conditions that benefit from early monitoring

Why Choose Sleep Health & Wellness for Parasomnia Treatment?

Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Expertise

Dr. Maria Tovar-Torres is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine, giving her specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex sleep disorders including Parasomnias.

Comprehensive Evaluation

We don’t just treat symptoms — we look for underlying causes and related conditions to develop a complete treatment plan.

Convenient Home Sleep Testing

If a sleep study is needed, you can complete it in the comfort of your own bed rather than spending a night in a sleep lab.

Ongoing Support

Parasomnia management often requires adjustments over time. We provide follow-up care to ensure your treatment continues working effectively.

 

Insurance Accepted

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare. For more information about accepted insurance plans, view our Insurance and Payments page.

Start Your Journey to Better Sleep Today.

Take the first step toward better sleep by scheduling a consultation with our sleep specialists at Sleep Health & Wellness.

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, United Healthcare, and other major insurance plans. View our Insurance and Payments page for more information.

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