Patient discussions
Parents of children with parasomnias need reassurance. It is important to explain to them that the presence of worrisome nocturnal episodes in which the child sleepwalks or appears frightened, terrified, or confused does not imply serious neurologic disease. In most cases, treatment of an underlying sleep disorder (such as sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome) will resolve the episodes, or the episodes may be self-limiting and will go away as the child grows older. Recommended online patient information resources may be helpful. American Academy of Sleep Medicine: sleep education Opens in new window
Parents should be discouraged from trying to prevent parasomnias by force, such as by restraining or forcefully awakening the patient, as such measures may result in further agitation and increased potential for injury. Environmental protective measures are recommended to prevent injury.[49] Patient and parent education includes explaining how predisposing factors (e.g., poor sleep hygiene, sleep deprivation, stress, and caffeine use) may precipitate parasomnias and that these should be avoided or corrected if possible.[49]
Patients receiving benzodiazepines are cautioned about the potential for daytime drowsiness. The use of alcohol by adolescents or of other central nervous system-depressant drugs with benzodiazepines increases the risk of drowsiness and sedation, and patients must be cautioned about this potential for interaction.
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