What is the Difference Between Parasomnia and Dyssomnia?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Parasomnia and dyssomnia are two types of primary sleep disorders that can affect individuals. The main differences between them are:
- 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.
- 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.
On this pageWhat 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.
Read more:
- Insomnia vs Parasomnia
- Hypersomnia vs Insomnia
- Cataplexy vs Sleep Paralysis
- Idiopathic Hypersomnia vs Narcolepsy
- Insomnia vs Sleep Apnea
- Sleep vs Slumber
- Acute vs Chronic Insomnia
- Primary vs Secondary Insomnia
- Sleep vs Asleep
- Night Terrors vs Nightmares
- REM AND NREM
- Dysthymia vs Cyclothymia
- Meditation vs Sleep
- Cataplexy vs Catalepsy
- Hypnagogic vs Hypnopompic Hallucinations
- Paresthesia vs Dysesthesia
- Dream vs Nightmare
- Narcolepsy vs Chronic Fatigue
- MDD vs Dysthymia