How does parasomnia differ from insomnia?

Parasomnia is a type of sleep disorder that is distinguished by abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur during sleep. The key aspect of parasomnia is that it involves partial arousal from sleep, which means that the person may not be fully awake but is exhibiting behaviors often associated with wakefulness, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, or talking in their sleep.

Understanding this definition clarifies the distinction between parasomnia and insomnia. Insomnia is primarily characterized by difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep, which is not the case with parasomnia. While insomnia can lead to feelings of fatigue and restlessness upon waking, parasomnia does not necessarily cause issues with sleep initiation; rather, it entails unusual activities occurring while the person is in a sleep state.

This highlights why the correct answer emphasizes the partial arousal aspect in parasomnia. It points out how individuals can engage in behaviors or experiences while still in a state of sleep, differentiating it from other sleep disturbances.