Sleep Med Psychophysiol.  2007 Dec;14(2):67-72.

Childhood Parasomnia

• Seo WS

Abstract

Parasomnias are characterized by undesirable physical events or experiences during sleep. They occur alone or combined with other parasomnias. Parasomnias in childhood are more common than those of adulthood. Most of them are mild, benign and self remitted. Careful history takings from the patients and their parents, videotaped recordings of the episodes are invaluable to diagnose parasomnias. Sometimes polysomnographic recordings are helpful to differentiate ambiguous conditions and to diagnose comorbid conditions. Even many parasomnias do not need treatment, some conditions need therapeutic interventions. Medication, cognitive behavioral treatment, biofeedback, and oral appliance are helpful to reduce frequency and complexity of certain kinds of parasomnias.

Keyword

Parasomnia; Childhood; Slow wave sleep

MeSH Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology
Humans
Parasomnias*
Parents