
Parasomnias: Understanding Causes, Treatments & Sleep Studies
Key Takeaways
Explore the world of parasomnias, including causes, symptoms, and treatments. Learn how sleep studies play a crucial role in diagnosing these sleep disorders.- Parasomnias are sleep disorders characterized by abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep, with NREM-related events typically occurring in the first half of the night and REM-related events later.
- Common parasomnias include sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, with each type associated with specific sleep stages.
- The causes of parasomnias are multifaceted, involving genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, and can be influenced by stress, sleep deprivation, and substance use.
- Diagnosis of parasomnias often requires polysomnography (sleep studies) and a detailed medical history to understand the sleep disturbances and their timing.
- Treatment strategies for parasomnias include non-pharmacological approaches like sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as medications like clonazepam and melatonin in severe cases.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment, are crucial for managing parasomnias.
- Safety measures are important to prevent injury during parasomnic episodes, especially for individuals prone to activities like sleepwalking.
- Parasomnias can be related to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, and addressing these underlying conditions can improve parasomnia symptoms.
- Long-term management of parasomnias involves ongoing monitoring, treatment adjustments, and educational support for patients and their families.
- Parasomnias manifest differently across ages, with children often outgrowing these conditions, while adults may require more complex treatment approaches.

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Understanding Parasomnias
Parasomnias represent a category of sleep disorders that manifest as unusual physical, verbal, or behavioral activities during sleep. These phenomena can occur as a person transitions from wakefulness to sleep, within non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages, or during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Particularly prevalent in children, parasomnias can also affect adults and are characterized by their occurrence in specific stages of the sleep cycle.
- NREM Parasomnias: These typically happen during the first half of the night and include events like sleepwalking, night terrors, and confusional arousals.
- REM Parasomnias: Occurring later in the night during REM sleep, these involve behaviors such as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), where individuals act out vivid dreams.
- Other Parasomnias: This category includes disorders such as nightmares and sexsomnia, which do not fit neatly into NREM or REM classifications.
The etiology of parasomnias is diverse; it may be rooted in genetic predispositions or neurological conditions but can also be influenced by environmental factors. The disturbances caused by parasomnias range from simple to complex and can significantly disrupt normal sleep patterns leading to daytime fatigue and other health issues. Understanding these disorders is crucial for effective management and treatment strategies.
Common Types of Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping, between sleep stages, or during arousal from sleep. These disturbances can be broken down into Non-REM and REM-related parasomnias.
- Sleepwalking (Somnambulism): Occurring during deep Non-REM sleep stages, this involves getting up and walking around while still mostly asleep. It's more common in children and can include other activities like talking or eating.
- Night Terrors: Also known as 'sleep terrors,' these episodes involve intense fear that may cause screaming or flailing while the person remains asleep with no memory of the event upon waking.
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): This disorder involves acting out vivid dreams with vocal sounds and sudden, often violent arm and leg movements during REM sleep — the stage where dreaming occurs.
In addition to these common types, there are other variants such as confusional arousals where individuals exhibit confused behavior after waking from deep sleep; sleep paralysis which is an inability to move when falling asleep or upon waking; and nightmare disorder where frequent disturbing dreams disrupt sleep. The precise mechanisms behind these disorders vary but may include genetic factors as well as neurological and environmental influences.
Exploring the Multifaceted Causes of Parasomnias
Parasomnias represent a complex group of sleep disorders with a diverse range of causes. These abnormal behaviors during sleep can be influenced by genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Genetic predispositions have been observed, particularly in disorders like sleepwalking where there's evidence suggesting a hereditary component. Neurological aspects come into play with disruptions in slow-wave (NREM) sleep stages that may predispose individuals to NREM-related parasomnias such as night terrors and confusional arousals.
Environmental triggers are also significant; stress and anxiety can provoke episodes, as well as external stimuli that disturb sleep continuity. Sleep deprivation itself is known to enhance deep NREM sleep when recovery occurs, potentially triggering parasomnias. Moreover, substances such as alcohol or medications may induce or exacerbate these conditions by altering normal sleep architecture or causing fragmented sleep states.
Understanding the etiology requires examining all contributing factors holistically. For instance, studies indicate that certain conditions promoting repeated cortical arousals or impairing arousal mechanisms can lead to NREM parasomnias. Similarly, factors enhancing deep NREM sleep could trigger episodes due to increased susceptibility during this stage.
In summary, while no single origin for parasomnias has been conclusively identified, it's clear that a combination of genetic makeup, brain activity during specific sleep stages, and various external influences work together to precipitate these disorders.
Sleep Stages and Their Influence on Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, and perceptions during sleep. These phenomena are closely tied to the different stages of sleep—REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement)—and can manifest distinctly depending on which stage is occurring.
- NREM-related Parasomnias: Most parasomnias occur during NREM sleep, particularly during stage 3, which is characterized by deep slow-wave sleep. Disruptions in this stage can lead to conditions such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and confusional arousals. This association suggests a link between the depth of sleep and the likelihood of experiencing these types of parasomnias.
- REM-related Parasomnias: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia that occurs during REM sleep when muscle atonia (the paralysis that typically accompanies REM sleep) fails to occur or is incomplete. This failure allows individuals to act out their dreams physically, potentially leading to injury.
The occurrence of parasomnias has been linked with several factors including genetics, stress, anxiety, and medication use. However, understanding how these disorders relate to specific stages of the sleep cycle is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. For instance, knowing whether a parasomnia arises from NREM or REM stages can guide appropriate interventions.
Treatments for parasomnias often begin with non-medication strategies focused on safety measures and improving overall sleep hygiene. In more severe cases or when linked with other underlying conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or neurological disorders, further medical evaluation may be necessary.
Diagnosing Parasomnias: Utilizing Sleep Studies and Medical History
Parasomnias are disruptive sleep disorders that manifest through abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, or dreams. Diagnosing these conditions effectively is crucial for treatment and management. A comprehensive approach typically involves polysomnography (PSG), a type of sleep study that records various physiological functions during sleep.
- Polysomnography: This diagnostic tool charts brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, limb movements, and behavior during sleep. PSG can reveal if the patient engages in unusual activities such as sleepwalking or experiences other parasomnia symptoms.
- Medical History: A detailed medical and family history helps identify potential genetic links to parasomnias. Understanding past incidents related to sleep disturbances informs the diagnosis.
- Symptom Analysis: Physicians analyze the type and timing of symptoms since different parasomnias occur during specific stages of sleep—either Non-REM (NREM) or REM stages. For instance, nightmares are more likely to happen during REM sleep.
The etiology of parasomnias includes genetic, neurological, and environmental factors; however pinpointing a specific cause remains challenging with current knowledge. Nonetheless, understanding the stage of sleep where disturbances occur can guide treatment strategies.
In children especially, where parasomnias like night terrors and somnambulism (sleepwalking) are more prevalent than in adults (source), accurate diagnosis is essential for early intervention. Adults may also experience these conditions but often require different management approaches due to varied triggers and life circumstances.
The Critical Role of Sleep Studies in Diagnosing Parasomnias
Polysomnography, commonly known as a sleep study, is an indispensable diagnostic tool for identifying various sleep disorders, including parasomnias. This comprehensive test measures several physiological parameters during sleep such as brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, eye and leg movements. Conducted in specialized sleep centers or hospital units, polysomnography provides valuable insights into the patient's sleep stages and cycles to determine disruptions that may indicate underlying conditions.
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, these studies are essential for diagnosing disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder (which includes restless legs syndrome), insomnia, certain types of seizures and epilepsy, night terrors, nocturnal panic attacks, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD).
The process typically begins with non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep where brain activity slows down. As the study progresses through different stages of NREM and REM sleep—each characterized by specific patterns of brain waves and muscle activity—specialists can pinpoint abnormalities such as obstructive apnea or hypopnea events indicative of disrupted breathing during sleep.
Moreover, the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights that Level 1 polysomnography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many sleep disorders when combined with clinical history. For some patients who cannot attend an in-clinic study due to various reasons like long wait times or geographical limitations, at-home polysomnography options are available. These include Level 2 PSGs which use similar sensors but without on-site attendance by a technician.
In summary, sleep studies like polysomnography play a vital role in accurately diagnosing parasomnias by monitoring intricate details of a patient's sleep architecture. The data collected from these studies guide healthcare providers in developing effective treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs.
The Role of Interviews and Questionnaires in Diagnosing Parasomnias
Diagnosing parasomnias often involves a multifaceted approach, with interviews and questionnaires playing a crucial role in gathering comprehensive sleep histories. These tools are designed to capture detailed information about the patient's symptoms, lifestyle, and environmental factors that could contribute to sleep disturbances.
- Sleep History: A thorough sleep history includes a 24-hour recording of the patient's sleep patterns, behaviors, and any daytime consequences. This helps clinicians understand the context of the parasomnia within the patient's overall health.
- Detailed Symptom Analysis: Questionnaires typically ask about symptom location, quality, quantity or severity, timing (onset, duration, frequency), setting in which symptoms occur, aggravating or relieving factors, and associated manifestations as outlined by screening questions.
- Contextual Evaluation: Assessments consider how different environments affect sleep quality. For example, sleeping at a clinic may not reflect normal conditions for the patient; hence questionnaires aim to capture data relevant to their usual sleep context.
- Screening Tools: Various questionnaires have been developed to screen multiple sleep disorders simultaneously. They help identify specific parasomnias while also evaluating for coexisting conditions that might influence or exacerbate symptoms.
The use of structured interviews such as the Structured Clinical Interview for Sleep Disorders-Revised (SCISD-R), along with validated questionnaires like those found in public repositories (public repository) provides clinicians with reliable diagnostic criteria based on DSM-5 guidelines. These methods ensure an accurate diagnosis by systematically exploring all potential aspects of parasomnias.
Treatment Strategies for Managing Parasomnias
Treatment options for parasomnias are multifaceted and tailored to the individual's specific condition and severity. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as counseling on sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are often first-line treatments. These strategies focus on establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful bedroom environment, and employing relaxation techniques before bedtime.
Pharmacotherapy may be considered in more severe cases or when initial interventions are ineffective. Although no sleep aids have been FDA-approved for individuals under 18, medications like melatonin and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists are sometimes used off-label to help manage symptoms. For adults, clonazepam is among the pharmacological options occasionally prescribed.
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing parasomnias. Patients are encouraged to maintain good sleep hygiene by avoiding stimulants close to bedtime, reducing stress levels, and ensuring they get adequate exercise during the day. In some instances, safety measures must also be implemented to prevent injury during parasomnic episodes.
Ultimately, treatment plans should be comprehensive and personalized, potentially involving multiple therapeutic modalities to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of parasomnias.
Pharmacological Interventions for Parasomnias
Parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep-related disorders, often require a multifaceted treatment approach. Pharmacological interventions can play a key role in managing these conditions. Two commonly used medications are clonazepam and melatonin, each working through different mechanisms to improve sleep quality and reduce parasomnia episodes.
- Clonazepam: This medication is a benzodiazepine that enhances the activity of GABA receptors in the brain. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and other parasomnias by promoting sleep consolidation. However, it should be used with caution due to potential side effects such as drowsiness and dependency issues (source).
- Melatonin: As an over-the-counter supplement in the United States, melatonin acts on melatonin receptors to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It's beneficial for treating delayed sleep phase syndrome and certain circadian rhythm disorders. Melatonin is generally considered safe when taken orally in appropriate amounts, with typical doses for insomnia ranging from 1 to 5 mg (Mayo Clinic). Its use should be under medical supervision to avoid possible side effects like headaches or daytime drowsiness.
In addition to these treatments, some case series have reported limited success with other medications like pramipexole and levodopa for RBD (source). Nonetheless, it's crucial for patients with parasomnias to consult healthcare professionals before starting any pharmacotherapy regimen, ensuring that treatments are tailored specifically to their needs while minimizing risks.
Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies for Managing Parasomnias
Behavioral and cognitive therapies (CBT) offer a promising approach to managing parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep disorders like sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. CBT works by changing thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the onset or exacerbation of these conditions.
One of the key strategies in CBT is identifying specific challenges related to parasomnias. For instance, a person who experiences night terrors may work with a therapist to address underlying stressors or fears that trigger these episodes. Techniques such as relaxation training, guided imagery, or establishing pre-sleep routines can be employed to create a calming bedtime environment.
Homework assignments are often part of CBT, enabling individuals to practice skills learned in therapy sessions. These might include journaling about sleep experiences or practicing mindfulness techniques designed to promote relaxation before bed.
The efficacy of CBT for various mental health conditions suggests it's also beneficial for those with parasomnias. By reassessing distorted thought patterns associated with sleep disturbances, patients can learn new ways to cope with stressors that may lead to parasomnia episodes.
A supportive therapeutic relationship is crucial in CBT. It provides an environment where individuals feel safe discussing their concerns without judgment. This setting fosters open communication about sleep disturbances and helps tailor interventions specifically for the individual's needs.
In summary, behavioral and cognitive therapies focus on modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors linked with parasomnias through structured intervention strategies—potentially reducing frequency and severity of these disruptive sleep phenomena.
Lifestyle Modifications and Sleep Hygiene for Managing Parasomnias
Managing parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and night terrors, often involves addressing lifestyle factors that can influence sleep health. A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights the impact of daily habits on sleep quality across different age groups. Lifestyle modifications aimed at improving sleep hygiene are crucial for mitigating the symptoms of parasomnias.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a regular bedtime and wake-up time helps stabilize the body's internal clock, reducing the likelihood of parasomnia episodes.
- Dietary Choices: Limiting intake of fast food, caffeine, and alcohol can positively affect sleep health by minimizing disruptions to sleep architecture.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with better sleep health. Exercise should be timed appropriately to avoid stimulating the body too close to bedtime.
- Sleep Environment: Creating a bedroom sanctuary conducive to rest involves ensuring it is quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable as recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Limited Screen Time: Reducing exposure to screens before bed can prevent delays in falling asleep due to blue light's impact on melatonin production.
Incorporating these lifestyle changes into oneÂ’s routine can significantly improve overall sleep hygiene, which is an integral part of public health strategy according to empirical evidence. By focusing on healthy habits that promote consistent and restorative sleep patterns, individuals with parasomnias may experience fewer disturbances during the night.
Strategies for Preventing Injury During Parasomnias
Parasomnias can pose significant risks due to the potential for injury during sleep-related episodes. To mitigate these dangers, several safety measures are recommended. For individuals prone to activities like sleepwalking, securing the environment is crucial.
- For children, especially those who sleepwalk, it's advised to avoid bunk beds and instead opt for low-profile beds to minimize fall risk. Johns Hopkins Medicine also suggests installing gates at staircases and locking doors and windows.
- Avoiding alcohol consumption may reduce the likelihood of triggering parasomnic events.
- Using electronic alarms that alert when a person leaves the bed can be effective. A low bed setup or placing mattresses on the floor can also help prevent injuries from falls.
- It's important to remove any sharp objects from around the bedside area and clear obstacles from the bedroom that could cause harm during an episode.
In addition to physical precautions, managing underlying conditions that may exacerbate parasomnia symptoms is vital. This includes treating comorbid sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder which can fragment sleep and trigger parasomnia behaviors.
Interplay Between Parasomnias and Other Sleep Disorders
Parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep-related disorders, often have a complex relationship with other sleep conditions. Conditions such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome (RLS) can significantly influence the occurrence and severity of parasomnias. For instance, sleep apnea can lead to fragmented sleep, which may increase the likelihood of parasomnia events due to frequent awakenings that disrupt normal sleep cycles.
In the case of RLS, the discomfort and urge to move can cause arousals during rest, potentially triggering episodes like sleepwalking or night terrors, particularly in non-REM stages of sleep when most parasomnias occur. Moreover, individuals with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may experience an increased incidence of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a type of parasomnia where people act out their dreams.
The interconnection between these disorders underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnosis and treatment strategies. Addressing underlying conditions such as OSA not only improves overall health but may also reduce the frequency or intensity of parasomnia episodes. Similarly, managing RLS symptoms through medication or lifestyle changes could decrease nocturnal disturbances that precipitate parasomnic behaviors.
Treatment for concurrent sleep disorders often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving behavioral modifications, pharmacological interventions, and sometimes positive airway pressure therapy for those with OSA. By treating these related conditions effectively, patients may see an improvement in both their primary disorder and associated parasomnias.
Long-Term Management of Parasomnias
Parasomnias, which occur in a state between sleep and wakefulness, can significantly impact quality of life. Long-term management is crucial for individuals with parasomnias to ensure ongoing care and maintain safety. Prognosis varies depending on the type and severity of the parasomnia, but many patients respond well to treatment.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are essential for monitoring therapy adherence, side effects, and symptom resolution. This is especially true for those with co-occurring disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where chronic therapy requires consistent evaluation.
- Treatment Adjustments: Over time, adjustments to pharmacotherapy or behavioral interventions may be necessary. Some individuals benefit from medication alone, while others achieve symptom control through non-pharmacological means such as addressing co-occurring conditions like sleep apnea or periodic limb movements.
- Safety Precautions: For parasomnias that involve complex behaviors like sleepwalking or REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), safety measures are an integral part of long-term management to prevent injury during episodes.
- Educational Support: Educating patients and their bed-partners about the condition helps in managing expectations and recognizing signs that may require additional medical attention.
The interdisciplinary approach often includes specialists in sleep medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and sometimes forensic experts when behaviors have legal implications. With proper diagnosis and tailored management plans that include lifestyle modifications and possibly cognitive therapies alongside any pharmacological treatments, many individuals with parasomnias can lead safe and healthy lives.
Parasomnias Across Different Ages: Children Vs. Adults
Parasomnias are disruptive sleep-related disorders that manifest uniquely across different age groups, with varying presentations and management strategies required for children and adults. In children, parasomnias such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and confusional arousals are relatively common due to the higher proportion of non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM) sleep they experience. According to BMJ Best Practice, these events typically occur during transitions between sleep states or upon arousals from Non-REM sleep.
Adults can also suffer from parasomnias; however, they may experience a broader range of disorders including REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which is more prevalent in older populations. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that while some parasomnias in adults are continuation of childhood disorders, others like RBD are generally not seen in younger individuals.
Management of parasomnias often depends on the specific type and its underlying causes. For children, many parasomnias resolve spontaneously with age and may require minimal intervention beyond ensuring safety during episodes. In contrast, adult-onset parasomnias might necessitate a more complex approach involving pharmacological treatment or therapy to address potential triggers such as stress or coexisting sleep disorders.
The importance of accurate diagnosis cannot be overstated, as it informs the appropriate treatment path. Safety measures are crucial for both age groups but especially for those prone to activities like sleepwalking that increase injury risk.
Pediatric Parasomnias: Prevalence and Treatment Approaches
Parasomnias in children are a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, and experiences that occur during transitions between sleep states or during partial arousals from sleep. These can include confusional arousals, where children appear disoriented upon waking, sleepwalking (somnambulism), night terrors, and bedwetting. According to a large study in Quebec, Canada, parasomnias were found to be quite common among young children aged 2.5 to 6 years with as many as 88% experiencing at least one type of parasomnia.
Confusional arousals are particularly prevalent among the pediatric population, affecting up to 17% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. During such episodes, children may sit up in bed appearing confused and might moan or call out without being fully awake.
Treatment for pediatric parasomnias often involves addressing any underlying conditions that could be exacerbating the symptoms such as sleep-disordered breathing or restless legs syndrome. Ensuring adequate sleep hygiene is also crucial; this includes maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleeping environment.
In some cases, pharmacological interventions may be considered under medical supervision. However, non-pharmacological approaches like behavioral modifications are commonly recommended due to their safety profile for managing symptoms in children.
It's important for parents and caregivers to understand that most childhood parasomnias typically resolve on their own as the child matures. Nonetheless, ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals is advised to ensure proper management and support for both the child and family affected by these conditions.
Adult-Onset Parasomnias: Triggers and Treatments
Parasomnias in adults are less common than in children, but they can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health. Adult-onset parasomnias may include REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), NREM sleep arousal disorders, and nightmare disorder. These conditions are characterized by complex behaviors or experiences during sleep, such as abnormal movements, emotions, perceptions, or dreams.
Several factors contribute to the onset of parasomnias in adults. According to studies, approximately 4% of the adult population experience parasomnias, with a higher prevalence among those with psychiatric disorders, medical comorbidities, or substance abuse issues. Additionally, research indicates that older males diagnosed with idiopathic RBD may have an increased risk of developing parkinsonian disorders or dementia later in life.
Treatment options for adult-onset parasomnias vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Pharmacological treatments often include medications such as clonazepam or melatonin to regulate sleep cycles and reduce symptoms. Behavioral therapies focus on managing stress and anxiety that may trigger episodes. Cognitive therapies help patients modify their thought patterns that could contribute to disturbing dreams or nighttime awakenings.
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing parasomnias. Establishing good sleep hygiene practices—such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleeping environment free from disturbances, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime—can help mitigate symptoms. In some cases, safety measures must be implemented to prevent injury during episodes of complex behaviors associated with parasomnia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping, between sleep stages, or during arousal from sleep.
Parasomnias can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, sleep deprivation, genetics, and disruptions in the sleep cycle. Certain medications and substances can also trigger parasomnias.
Treatment for parasomnias may include medication, lifestyle changes, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and in some cases, counseling or therapy. Addressing underlying conditions or factors contributing to the parasomnia is also crucial.
Sleep studies, or polysomnography, are crucial in diagnosing parasomnias. They monitor various bodily functions during sleep to identify abnormalities and help determine the most effective treatment plan.