SLEEP - Article Abstract

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SLEEP - Article Abstract

Volume :	30
Issue :	02
Pages :	141-151

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Pediatric Parasomnias

Thornton B.A. Mason II, MD, PhD¹; Allan I. Pack, MBChB, PhD²

¹Division of Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; ²Chief, Division of Sleep Medicine; Director, Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Abstract:

Parasomnias in childhood are common, and often more frequent than in adults. The large number of parasomnias underscore that sleep is not simply a quiescent state, but can involve complex episodes of movement, ranging from subtle to dramatic and complex. Clinicians should be aware that many pediatric parasomnias are benign, self-limited, and may not persist into late childhood or adolescence. Importantly, parasomnias in childhood often differ in type from adults. Nevertheless, parasomnias across ages can be classified as: 1) disorders of arousal (from non-rapid eye movement, or NREM, sleep); 2) parasomnias usually associated with REM sleep; and 3) other parasomnias. We detail here issues in the clinical diagosis, evaluation, and management of multiple pediatric parasomnias. The further study of parasomnias in children may help elucidate the multi-factorial etiologies of these fascinating conditions, shedding light on the potential genetic bases as well as environmental contributions.
Citation: Mason TBA; Pack AI. Pediatric parasomnias. SLEEP 2007: 30(2);141-151.