Parasomnias Make You Go Bump in the Night Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Reviewed by Deborah Hong This information has been reviewed and approved by Deborah Hong, MD (February 2018). Parasomnias Make You Go Bump in the Night Abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions or perceptions while sleeping or waking up are symptoms of parasomnias. See who’s at risk and the common symptoms. 1 in 10 Americans have a parasomnias, which can run in families. Common Parasomnias in Children A strong genetic and family link. Sleep Talking 50% of children Utters words & sentences, unclear mumbling Sleep Terrors Ages 4 & 12 Loud screams, panic, heavy breathing & sweating Sleepwalking Ages 8 & 12 Appears awake, gets up, moves around, doesn’t remember events after waking Common Parasomnias in Adults Confusional Arousals Runs in families, night workers, worriers, high stress people Wakes up confused & disoriented Sleep Groaning Runs in families, small jawed people, common after orthodontic procedures Groans or high-pitched squeaks during exhalation in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep REM Sleep Behavior Disorder * Common in men 50+, the elderly, people with Parkinson’s disease & multiple system atrophy Kicking, hitting, complex movements & running while dreaming Sleep-Related Eating Disorder * Common in women under 30 & people taking depression and sleep medications Sleepwalking, preparing or eating foods at night without remembering the event Bring these symptoms to the attention of your sleep partner, and ask your doctor to determine if treatment is necessary. * Consult a Sleep Medicine specialist if experiencing these symptoms. More Information on Sleep What are parasomnias? Sleep Disorders Watch videos about sleep issues Daylight Saving Time and Sleep Insomnia Sleep help for women Sleep Care at National Jewish Health Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: