Prevalence of different parasomnias in the general Norwegian population, and their association with insomnia, anxiety, and depression. A cross-sectional web-panel survey

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of various parasomnias in the general Norwegian adult population and explore their associations with insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September 2024 among 1002 adults (50.7% male, mean age 50.3), drawn from a large population-based sample from a national web panel. Participants reported lifetime and past 3-month (current) prevalence of eleven different parasomnias, including both NREM- and REM-related subtypes. Validated instruments assessed insomnia (Bergen Insomnia Scale), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-4). Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regressions, adjusting for age, sex, educational level, and circadian preference. Response rate was 19.8%.

Results: Lifetime prevalence of the parasomnias ranged from 2.3% (sleep-related eating disorder) to 47.2% (nightmares), while current prevalence ranged from 1.0% (injured somebody else during sleep) to 33.1% (nightmares). Insomnia, anxiety, and depression were associated with most of the parasomnias [e.g., nightmares-anxiety (OR 1.58; CI 1.42-1.74)]. Parasomnias were more common in younger participants, while sex differences were few.

Conclusion: Many of the parasomnias were commonly reported and strongly associated with insomnia and mental health symptoms. These findings underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and further research on parasomnias.