If you've ever wondered whether your unsettling sleep behaviors are just a quirk of your nightly routine or a sign of something more serious, you're not alone.
Many people experience nightmares, night sweats, sleep talking or other behaviors in their sleep, so it's easy to question if these issues are normal or indicative of a deeper problem. Understanding what's behind these symptoms can help you find solutions and improve your overall sleep quality.
What are abnormal behaviors during sleep?
Abnormal sleep behaviors, such as those associated with parasomnias, involve unusual actions like walking, talking or acting out dreams during sleep. These disturbances not only compromise sleep quality but also may point to deeper health problems, which is why it is wise to seek medical attention if you aren't getting restful sleep.
7 sleep behaviors to watch out for
Frequent nightmares
Frequent nightmares and night terrors can significantly disrupt your sleep. Possible causes of nightmares include stress and worry, as well as certain medical conditions or mental health diagnoses. While nightmares occur during REM sleep and are often linked to stress, anxiety or trauma, night terrors typically occur during non-REM sleep and involve abrupt awakenings with intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like screaming or sweating.
Unlike nightmares, people who experience night terrors usually do not remember the episodes upon waking, and these are more common in children than in adults. If nightmares or night terrors are frequent or severe, your doctor may be able to help you identify underlying issues and suggest possible treatment options.
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis involves the temporary inability to move or speak during the transition between wakefulness and sleep, often with hallucinations or a feeling of chest pressure. Since frequent episodes may be linked to other sleep disorders, narcolepsy or mental health disorders such as PTSD or bipolar disorder, a diagnosis and treatment can ensure you start getting quality sleep.
Insomnia
Common signs of insomnia involve difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning. Its causes include stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical issues or medications. Acute insomnia lasts no longer than a few weeks, but chronic insomnia includes sleep problems and daytime symptoms like sleepiness or trouble focusing at least three times a week for over three months, often impacting daily life. At that point, discussing your symptoms with a medical provider would be ideal.
Sleep talking
Sleep talking involves speaking during sleep without being aware of it, sometimes stating a few words or having full conversations. It's often harmless, but it can disrupt your sleep or your partner's. If it affects your sleep quality, consult a doctor to address potential issues and improve your rest.
Jaw pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder affects the jaw joint, causing pain, clicking and difficulty moving the jaw. It's often caused by bruxism -- the sleep-related behavior that includes teeth grinding and clenching during the night. You can do a few things to stop grinding your teeth, but if TMJ symptoms are persistent or severe, discuss treatment options with your doctor to address the cause or manage discomfort effectively.
Excessive snoring
Excessive snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and increase the risk of heart problems, high blood pressure and daytime fatigue. If snoring is loud and frequent, or if you experience pauses in breathing, choking or gasping, it's important to see a doctor. They can diagnose sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment to protect your health and improve your sleep.
Nighttime sweating
Waking up drenched in sweat could be due to anxiety, infections, some medications (e.g., antidepressants) or hormonal changes. It could also possibly be the result of a poor sleep environment. If night sweats are frequent or have no clear cause, it's a good idea to see a doctor to check for serious problems or medication side effects. Before you schedule that appointment, the Sleep Foundation recommends adjusting your bedroom temperature and switching your bedding to a more breathable material to see if that helps combat night sweats.
When to see a doctor
Good sleep is essential for your health and well-being. If you're frequently troubled by insomnia, night sweats, excessive snoring or other sleep-disrupting behaviors, it's important to talk to your doctor. Addressing these issues can help improve your sleep quality, enhance your overall health, boost daily energy levels and improve your mood and productivity.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.