Dysomnias and Parasomnias

Question 1

Muscle Atonia

Answer 1

The total relaxation of muscles to the point of virtual paralysis during REM sleep.

Question 2

Dysomnia

Answer 2

A problem getting to sleep or staying asleep, or excessive sleepiness.

Question 3

Parasomnia

Answer 3

Sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviours, emotions or perceptions. Occur while asleep, between stages or falling or waking from sleep. Parasomnias, as you would expect, disrupt the quality of sleep and therefore have negative effects during the day, including sleepiness.

Question 4

Narcolepsy

Answer 4

A dysomnia in which individuals experience sudden, excessive and uncontrollable onsets of daytime sleeping in which they transition from being awake immediately into a period of REM sleep.

Question 5

Sleep disorder

Answer 5

A disorder in which the normal NREM-REM sleep cycle (including the onset of sleep) is disrupted.

Question 6

Sleep apnoea

Answer 6

A parasomnia characterised by the temporary and involuntary suspension of breathing during sleep for 20 seconds to 2 minutes.

Question 7

Sleep walking

Answer 7

Sleepwalking (somnambulism) involves walking whilst asleep and sometimes conducting routine activities. Most commonly observed in children but can also occur in adults (usually at times of high stress). Occurs in stage 3 or four of NREM sleep and can go on for up to half an hour (Usually between 5 and 15 minutes)

Question 8

Sleep phenomena

Answer 8

Observable experiences that occur during sleep and may have the potential to disrupt sleep. The presence of sleep phenomena can be an indicator of a sleep disorder.

Question 9

Sleep onset insomnia

Answer 9

A dysomnia characterised by difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night.

Question 10

Insomnia

Answer 10

Insomnia is a dysomnia which involves continually getting insufficient sleep. A failure to fall asleep within 30 minutes after intended time. Awakening for more than 30 minutes during the night. A consistently reduced amount of total sleep.

Question 11

Psychological causes of acute insomnia

Answer 11

Emotional or social disturbances:

• relationship problems,
• the death or serious illness of someone close,
• upcoming important events or major lifestyle changes.

Question 12

Physiological causes of acute insomnia

Answer 12

• medical problems,
• severe or persistent pain or excessive
• use of alcohol or other drugs that disrupt the sleep cycle.

Question 13

2 treatments insomnia

Answer 13

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Medical intervention can be used, although only for a short time due to the need to limit and monitor the use of such drugs.

Question 14

CBT for insomnia

Answer 14

Includes the use of meditation, relaxation and visual imagery. Effective in 70-80% of cases. Treats underlying cause behind
insomnia. The duration of therapy time can be a disadvantage

Question 15

Cataplexy

Answer 15

Paralysis as a result of narcolepsy.

Question 16

Effects of sleepwalking

Answer 16

Daytime sleepiness
Possible muscle fatigue
Regular sleepwalkers are deprived of NREM 3-4 the most restful sleep.

Question 17

Effects of dysomnias

Answer 17

Deprivation - quality or quantity

Question 18

Co-morbid

Answer 18

Many sleep disorders can be co-morbid, meaning that it can occur with another psychological condition.

Question 19

Acute and chronic insomnia

Answer 19

We can have acute episodes of insomnia, which may coincide with a stressful or emotional period, such as exam time or being told some bad news.

However, insomnia can also be a chronic condition, meaning periods of sleeping difficulty occur at least three times a week over three months or longer.

Question 20

Causes of chronic insomnia

Answer 20

persistent stress,
pain,
shift work,
changes in habits, medications or the sleep environment.

Question 21

Cause of somnambulism

Answer 21

A sleep walking episode is sometimes tied to a strong emotional event, illness, stress, alcohol or medication.

Question 22

Treatment of somnambulism

Answer 22

There is not a lot that can be done to prevent sleep walking. A review of medications, diet and lifestyle, and counselling to address any stressful events or circumstances may help reduce triggers. The most important thing is to keep the sleep environment safe.