Sleep driving and other unusual practices during sleep

Most people have talked or walked during sleep at some time in our lives. However, some people exhibit more unusual complex behaviors while asleep, including eating and driving. These types of behaviors, called parasomnias, come about when parts of our brain are asleep and other parts awake at the same time. Parasomnias, while generally considered normal in a healthy child, can be a cause for concern when they develop in adults. Earlier this year the FDA issued a “black box” warning for the sleep medications eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem, given reports of sleep behaviors that resulted in injuries from falls, car accidents, and accidental overdoses related to their use. The FDA also notes that all medications used to promote sleep reduce alertness and may cause drowsiness the following day, which may impair your ability to drive. Common parasomnias and why they happen Traditionally, parasomnias are categorized by whether or not they occur during rapid eye movement (REM, or dreaming) sleep. REM sleep behavior disorder: During REM sleep the body is paralyzed; however, with REM behavior disorder, our bodies are no longer paralyzed, and thus people with this disorder act out their vivid dreams during sleep. Comedian Mike Birbiglia publicly made his dramatic and dangerous story of his experience with REM-behavior disorder part of his comedy routine. Non-REM parasomnias: Parasomnias occurring in other stages of sleep are categorized as disorders of arousal. Night terrors, ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Fatigue Sleep Source Type: blogs