Everyone has the occasional bad dream, but when sleep disturbances like sleepwalking or nightmares begin interfering with your safety, daily function, or mental health, it may be time to seek professional help.
At Bogan Sleep Consultants, led by renowned sleep specialists Dr. Richard K. Bogan, together with Dr. Laura B. Herpel, and our team, provides compassionate, evidence-based care for sleep disorders such as nightmare disorder, parasomnias, and more. We’re here to help you understand when these symptoms signal something more serious and guide you toward safer, more restful nights.
Let’s explore the signs, causes, and next steps for getting the help you or a loved one needs.
When Are Sleepwalking or Nightmares a Concern?
Occasional nightmares and rare sleepwalking episodes can be a normal part of sleep development, especially in children. However, certain patterns suggest an underlying sleep disorder that warrants medical attention:
Red flags to watch for:
- Frequent Nightmares or Night Terrors: Occurring more than once a week or persisting over several months.
- Sleepwalking Episodes Involving Risk: Activities like leaving the house, handling sharp objects, or showing aggressive or violent behavior.
- Difficulty Waking: The individual appears alert but is not fully awake or responsive.
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Daytime fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating due to sleep interruptions.
- Recurrent Disruptions: Multiple episodes per week that impact your sleep schedule, safety, or emotional well-being.
In adults, these signs may point to nightmare disorder, an NREM arousal disorder like sleepwalking, or an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or even posttraumatic stress disorder.
What Causes These Sleep Disturbances?
Nightmares and sleepwalking tend to occur in different stages of the sleep cycle:
- Nightmares usually happen during REM sleep, when dreams are most vivid.
- Sleepwalking and sleep terrors typically arise during non-REM (NREM) deep sleep, especially in the first half of the night.
Common Causes and Triggers Include:
- Sleep Deprivation or Irregular Sleep Schedule
- High Stress or Anxiety Levels
- Underlying Sleep Disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome)
- Family History of Parasomnias
- Medical Conditions or Medication Side Effects
- Environmental Triggers (loud noise, full bladder, alcohol consumption)
If these disturbances increase in frequency or intensity, they may indicate a sleep disorder requiring expert evaluation.
How to Track Sleepwalking or Nightmares for Diagnosis
If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking or frequent nightmares, keeping a detailed sleep diary can provide valuable insights for your sleep specialist. Tracking your sleep habits and nighttime episodes can help identify triggers, patterns, and potential underlying causes.
Include the following in your sleep journal:
- Bedtime and wake-up time each night
- Descriptions of any sleepwalking or nightmare episodes, including time of occurrence and behaviors observed
- Pre-sleep activities, such as meals, screen use, emotional stress, or alcohol intake
- Other health symptoms or medications that may influence sleep patterns
Bringing this information to your consultation can support an accurate diagnosis, whether you're dealing with a parasomnia, behavioral trigger, or another sleep-related condition such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
Occasional vs. Chronic: Know the Difference
It’s important to distinguish between isolated sleep disruptions and patterns that may point to something more serious. Understanding this difference can help determine whether professional evaluation is needed.
- Occasional episodes may be triggered by stress, fever, or lack of sleep, and often resolve on their own.
- Chronic nightmares or repeated sleepwalking, especially when paired with daytime symptoms like fatigue or difficulty concentrating, are often signs of a more complex sleep disorder or an underlying mental health condition such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleepwalking and Nightmares in Children vs. Adults
Age can play a significant role in the causes and implications of parasomnias. What’s typical in childhood may carry a different meaning in adulthood.
- In children, sleepwalking typically peaks between ages 4 and 8 and often fades as they grow, especially with good sleep hygiene.
- In adults, persistent parasomnias may suggest a neurological or medical condition that warrants further evaluation.
- Adults are also more likely to experience coexisting issues such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or medication- or alcohol-related triggers that can provoke or worsen episodes.
Treatment Options at Bogan Sleep Consultants
At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of parasomnias such as sleepwalking, nightmares, REM behavior disorder, and sleep terrors. Our comprehensive, evidence-based care is guided by accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to improve your sleep and quality of life.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive Sleep Evaluations: In-depth assessments and in-lab sleep studies to identify parasomnias and other underlying sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Structured, research-based therapy focused on improving sleep behavior and addressing the thoughts and habits that contribute to disrupted sleep.
- Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): An effective, non-invasive treatment for recurrent nightmares, especially those related to trauma or stress, by helping patients reframe and rewrite their disturbing dreams.
- Medication Management: When appropriate, our physicians may recommend safe and carefully monitored medications tailored to individual sleep needs.
- Remote Patient Monitoring: We offer ongoing, real-time monitoring to track sleep patterns and treatment response, providing additional insight and support between visits.
- Sleep Hygiene and Behavioral Coaching: We educate patients on building healthier sleep routines through personalized strategies such as relaxation techniques and scheduled awakening therapy to reduce parasomnia episodes and improve sleep quality.
Led by Dr.Bogan, our experienced team delivers expert, compassionate care for both children and adults experiencing complex sleep issues. We’re here to help you or your loved one move toward safer, more restorative sleep.
Why Choose Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC?
At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we take a comprehensive approach to treating parasomnias, including sleepwalking, nightmare disorder, and sleep terrors. Our services include:
- Sleep Disorder Evaluation: Full diagnostic testing in our Columbia-based sleep lab.
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine: Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Scheduled Awakening Therapy.
- Medication Management: For patients whose episodes are severe or linked to mental health conditions.
- Remote Patient Monitoring: Stay connected with our team for real-time support and guidance.
- Family Education: We guide you in managing a loved one’s sleepwalking or nightmares at home.
Reclaim Safer, Healthier Sleep with Expert Support
If you or your child is experiencing chronic nightmares, frequent sleepwalking episodes, or disruptive sleep behaviors, don’t wait. These symptoms could be signs of an underlying sleep disorder. The sleep medicine team at Bogan Sleep Consultants is here to help with accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and supportive care.
Call (803) 251-3093 or request an appointment online to speak with Dr. Bogan or one of our experienced sleep specialists today.
