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What Are Parasomnias — and During What Stages of Sleep Do They Occur?

Night terrors and sleepwalking are two examples of parasomnias.

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on September 10, 2025
Featuring Stacia Woodcock, PharmDReviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | September 10, 2025

Parasomnias refer to the strange things that someone may do or experience during sleep. Examples include sleepwalking, talking during sleep, or night terrors. Often, people do not remember parasomnias the next day. 

In this video, learn what causes parasomnias and during what stages of sleep they typically occur, according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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