Which statement correctly distinguishes parasomnias from primary sleep disorders?

• A. Parasomnias are episodic abnormal behaviors during sleep, whereas primary sleep disorders involve persistent disruption of sleep architecture or timing
• B. Parasomnias are a subset of insomnia requiring long-term pharmacotherapy
• C. Parasomnias are never diagnosed with polysomnography
• D. Parasomnias always occur during daytime

Answer: (C)

Parasomnias describe episodic abnormal behaviors or experiences that happen during sleep, while primary sleep disorders are defined by persistent problems with sleep architecture or timing that affect sleep over a longer period. So distinguishing the two hinges on episodic nocturnal events versus ongoing disruption of how sleep is organized or when it occurs. The idea that parasomnias are a subset of insomnia needing long-term pharmacotherapy is inaccurate, and parasomnias can indeed be evaluated with polysomnography (often with video) to capture events and help classify them—so claiming they are never diagnosed with PSG is not correct. Parasomnias do not occur during daytime; they occur during sleep, typically at night. The statement that best captures the distinction is that parasomnias are episodic during sleep, whereas primary sleep disorders involve persistent disruption of sleep architecture or timing.