Confusional arousal

Confusional arousal is a sleep disorder characterized by the person becoming confused or disoriented during or following arousals from sleep, most often in the first part of the night. This disorder, also known colloquially as "sleep drunkenness", is considered a parasomnia and is recognized by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders.

Symptoms

The main symptom of confusional arousal is an episode of confusion when waking up or falling asleep. This can include slow speech, poor memory, and difficulty thinking. These episodes can last from a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases, the person may not remember the episode at all.

Causes

Confusional arousal is often caused by a lack of sleep, an irregular sleep schedule, or a physical or mental illness. It can also be triggered by certain medications or substances, such as alcohol.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of confusional arousal is usually based on the person's symptoms and sleep history. A sleep study may also be done to rule out other sleep disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for confusional arousal usually involves improving sleep hygiene and treating any underlying conditions. In some cases, medication may be prescribed.

See also

• Sleep disorders
• Parasomnia
• Sleep study