Patho-mechanisms of NREM Parasomnias: Explanation of the Experience

Clinical recognition of NREM parasomnias is relatively straightforward but the understanding of the causative factors is equally important in the management of these disorders. Genetic and environmental factors coupled with physiological and psychosocial triggers are the primary mechanism. Electrophysiological studies and functional network analysis has demystified the final common pathway of these events. The presence of hypersynchronous delta slow wave sleep abnormalities and increased cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) instability are widely recognized while the role of excitatory and inhibitory neural pathways and cortical pattern generators are being intensely studied.