Update on nonpharmacological interventions in parasomnias

Postgrad Med. 2020 Jan;132(1):72-79. doi: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1697119. Epub 2019 Dec 11.

Abstract

Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep and can be associated, in particular during adulthood, with impaired sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and occasionally with violent and harmful nocturnal behaviors. In these cases, therapies are often considered. Longterm pharmacological treatments are not always well tolerated and often have limited efficacy. Therefore, behavioral approaches remain an important treatment option for several types of parasomnias. However, the evidence-based approaches are limited. In the current review, we highlight results from various nonpharmacological techniques on different types of parasomnias and provide a glimpse into the future of nonpharmacological treatments in this field.

Keywords: Behavioral therapies; Parasomnias; arousal disorders; non-pharmacological therapies; sleep disturbances.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Humans
  • Night Terrors / therapy
  • Parasomnias / therapy*
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder / therapy
  • Sleep Arousal Disorders / therapy
  • Somnambulism / therapy