Final answer:
Parasomnias are sleep disorders including nightmares and REM behavior disorder (RBD), where normal REM sleep paralysis does not occur, leading to potential injury. Sleepwalking and night terrors are other examples, with sleepwalking occurring during NREM sleep and night terrors resulting in panic with no memory of the event afterward. RBD can be treated with medication and safety precautions in the sleeping environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parasomnias are sleep disorders that involve unwanted, disruptive motor activity or experiences during sleep. These disorders can occur during either non-REM (NREM) or REM sleep. Types of parasomnias include nightmares, which are frightening dreams that often result in arousal, and REM behavior disorder (RBD), where the natural paralysis that usually occurs during REM sleep phase does not happen. Those with RBD may exhibit behaviors such as kicking or punching, often as a response to vivid dreams, leading to potential injury for themselves or their bed partners.
Another parasomnia, sleepwalking, occurs mostly during slow-wave (NREM) sleep, can range from simple walking to more complex actions. Other conditions, such as night terrors, are characterized by panic and attempts to escape from the immediate environment. While individuals suffering from night terrors appear to be awake, they often have no memory of the event after returning to sleep.
Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder may include medications like clonazepam or melatonin and modifying the sleeping environment to prevent injury. For other parasomnias, such as night terrors, treatment is typically not necessary unless there is an underlying condition contributing to the episodes.