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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Parasomnia and Dyssomnia?

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Parasomnia and dyssomnia are two types of primary sleep disorders that can affect individuals. The main differences between them are:

  1. Parasomnia:
  • Causes abnormal activities during sleep, such as sleep terrors or sleepwalking.
  • Involves unusual behaviors or experiences while asleep.
  • Patients may not be aware of their actions or environment during these episodes.
  1. Dyssomnia:
  • Causes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Affects the quantity, quality, and timing of sleep.
  • Does not involve irregular physical actions while asleep, unlike parasomnias.

In summary, parasomnia is characterized by abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep, while dyssomnia is marked by difficulty falling or staying asleep without accompanying unwanted behaviors or actions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Parasomnia and Dyssomnia?
  • Comparative Table: Parasomnia vs Dyssomnia

    • Comparative Table: Parasomnia vs Dyssomnia

    Here is a table comparing the differences between parasomnia and dyssomnia:

    Feature Parasomnia Dyssomnia
    Definition Parasomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal activities during sleep, such as sleepwalking or sleep terrors. Dyssomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleepiness.
    Symptoms Unwanted behavior and physical actions during sleep, such as sleepwalking, sleep terrors, REM behavior sleep disorder, and urination during sleep. Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, excessive sleepiness, or abnormal sleep patterns.
    Causes Parasomnia has been linked with genetic factors, health issues like fever, psychiatric illnesses, neurologic diseases, head injury, alcohol, and stress. Dyssomnia can be caused by various factors, including sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and other medical disorders.
    Examples Sleepwalking, sleep terrors, REM behavior sleep disorder, and nightmare disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders.
    Treatments Treatment options for parasomnia vary depending on the severity and cause of the disorder. Treatment options for dyssomnia depend on the specific sleep disorder and may include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

    In summary, parasomnias are characterized by abnormal behavior and physical actions during sleep, while dyssomnias involve difficulty with falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleepiness. The causes and treatments for these disorders vary depending on the specific type and underlying factors.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.