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REM behavior disorder (RBD), sleepwalking, restless leg syndrome, and night terrors are examples of parasomnias, which involve unwanted motor behaviors or experiences during the sleep cycle.

Examples of Parasomnias

Non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder consists of frequent incidents of partial arousal from sleep convoyed with either sleepwalking or sleepwalking that are not accompanied by rapid eye movements.

Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Arousal Disorder

Nightmare disorder is defined as recurring incidences of distressed, prolonged, and memorable nightmares that usually include threats to the person’s life.

Nightmare Disorder

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is defined as recurrent incidents of awakening from REM sleep that are coupled with talking and/or movement.

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Reference for Nightmare Disorder

Reference for Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Also known as somnambulism, sleepwalking is a parasomnia where an individual performs complex actions, such as wandering or even driving a car, while asleep. Although their eyes are often open during these episodes, they are unresponsive to communication. This behavior most frequently occurs during slow-wave sleep, though it can happen at any point in the sleep cycle for some individuals.

Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)

Night terrors are episodes of intense panic that occur during NREM sleep, often involving screaming and attempts to flee. During an episode, individuals may appear awake but are unresponsive to consolation and typically have no memory of the event afterward. They usually fall back to sleep quickly once the episode ends.

Night Terror

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs during inactivity or while trying to fall asleep. Moving the legs intentionally relieves the discomfort, but this movement can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. RLS is common, has been associated with diagnoses such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes, and may be treated with medications such as benzodiazepines, opiates, and anticonvulsants.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep Apnea is defined by the stop of breathing of the sleeper during sleep. 

Sleep Apnea

A 65-year-old individual's partner reports that they have recently started shouting, flailing their arms, and kicking during sleep. When the partner awakens them during these episodes, the individual is immediately alert and reports having a vivid, often frightening, dream that corresponds to their physical actions. Which of the following sleep disorders best explains these symptoms?

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