Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Parasomnias refer to a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviors, movements, emotions, perceptions, or dreams during sleep. These behaviors are not normally seen in individuals during their regular sleep cycles.
Nightmares are vivid and frightening dreams that often wake the sleeper up with intense feelings of fear or anxiety.
Sleep paralysis: Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. It can be accompanied by hallucinations and a sense of pressure on the chest.