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Review
. 2022 Dec 31;63(6):525-535.
doi: 10.3325/cmj.2022.63.525.

Non-REM parasomnias: a scoping review of dreams and dreamlike mentation

Omolade Longe  1 , Abiola Omodan, Guy Leschziner, Ivana Rosenzweig
Affiliations
Review

Non-REM parasomnias: a scoping review of dreams and dreamlike mentation

Omolade Longe et al. Croat Med J. .

Abstract

Aim: To establish patterns or themes of dreams and dreamlike mentation content reported in all forms of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias and to identify gaps in the current understanding of this topic.

Methods: A scoping review of available evidence on dreams and dreamlike mentation in NREM parasomnias was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched peer-reviewed literature using Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid (Embase), Ovid Medline®, Global Health, and APA Psych Info. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise the quality of selected articles.

Results: The final analysis included 16 studies. All of the studies were from high-income countries. The studies reported on dreams and dreamlike mentation in NREM parasomnias, but there was scarcity of literature for sexsomnia, sleep-related eating disorder, and confusional arousal. All of the studies had the highest quality as shown by the MMAT (76%-100%). Emotions such as apprehension and misfortune were associated with sleepwalking and sleep terrors.

Conclusion: Sleep studies involving collection of dream content immediately following NREM parasomnia could significantly minimize reporting bias and improve dream data quality.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flowchart of study selection process. POD – parasomnia overlap disorder; NREM – non rapid eye movement.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Illustrations (by Davor Aslanovski) of selected dreamlike mentations reported in the studies in Table 2. A) “Pulling down curtains while dreaming of creatures staring at her” (27); B) “Dreaming of finding a safe place for lettuce” (27); C) “Child drowned in a jar of milk” (41); D) “I am dead. I do not exist. I worry if I will be able to return into my body and I have to pinch myself to check if my body is alive” (47).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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