Parasomnias Require Thorough Evaluations

▸ Keep the floor very clean. There should be no object on the floor that could cause a person to slide or trip.

▸ Make sure nothing breakable is within reach of the person. Glasses and mirrors might have to be removed from the bedroom.

▸ Exclude sharp objects, including pens.

▸ Pad sharp edges of bedroom furniture.

▸ Close the bathroom door–add a barrier, if necessary–to keep out a person having a parasomnia. The floor is harder, and fixtures can create a dangerous obstacle course for a person who is not fully awake.

▸ Sleep on the first floor if possible. Stairs and upper story windows are hazards.

▸ Use heavy curtains to prevent cuts to the hand and forearm, if a person strikes out and breaks the glass.