Unusual sleep behaviors are called parasomnias. These are usually not treated until they become bothersome or dangerous to the patient.

Some parasomnias such as sleep talking, night-terrors, nightmares (bad dreams) or sleep walking are common, especially in childhood. They tend to be worse when the patient is having stress, anxiety or is sleep deprived. When the parasomnias persist into adulthood and occur multiple times per week, it is advised to seek professional consultation.

Tooth grinding (bruxing) is a common parasomnia that does not require sleep evaluation. Bruxing can cause significant damage to the teeth if left untreated. See your dentist to discuss the use of a night guard to protect the teeth.

Some parasomnias are dangerous, such as sleep walking down stairs, into the street, or out onto a balcony, etc. Nighttime epileptic seizures are also considered parasomnias, and should be evaluated. There is even a disorder where people act out their dreams during sleep, called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder.

Some patients who have experienced some type of severe emotional upset or abuse can have such severe nightmares and night-terrors that they are literally terrified to fall asleep. Careful evaluation by a sleep specialist in conjunction with the use of guided imagery techniques to "re-direct" the dreaming has been shown to work over time.

The first step in evaluation is to see a sleep specialist, then an overnight sleep study if required. Once diagnosed, the specific disorder can usually be managed by medications.