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

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.