English woman suffers from rare disorder; shops in her sleep racking up thousands in debt

The 42-year-old has also unintentionally ordered tins of paint, books, salt and pepper shakers, a children’s playhouse, refrigerators, tables, and hundreds of Haribo candies.

“I was racking up debt everywhere,” she admitted. “I would never actually have to put any credit card details when I was buying things online because it was all saved on my phone.”

Her sleep-shopping habits worsened when she disclosed her financial information to scammers via text message.

“I gave them all my details, then when I woke up, they had taken $317 out [of] my bank account,” she said. “I wouldn’t have replied to it if I was awake.”

Parasomnias encompass a wide range of sleep disturbances affecting both children and adults, said Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, Consultant Psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.

They manifest in various ways, including walking, talking, or even hallucinating during sleep. These can range from common (sleep talking) to rare (exploding head syndrome), according to Dr Ajinkya. The severity and frequency of these manifestations can vary significantly depending on the specific type of parasomnia and the individual experiencing it.

Risk factors for parasomnias include genetics, age, underlying sleep disorders, stress, certain substances, neurological disorders, and a poor sleep environment.

Treatment for parasomnias focuses on improving sleep habits. (Source: Freepik)

Recognising the signs and symptoms

Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for, Dr Ajinkya warned:

• Sleepwalking behaviors like walking around while asleep or engaging in activities without awareness.
• Night terrors with sudden episodes of fear, screaming, and sweating, with little or no memory of the event upon waking.
• Acting out vivid dreams during REM sleep in RBD, potentially causing injury.
• Sleep talking with nonsensical speech or muttering related to dreams.
• Sleep eating disorder involving unconscious food consumption during sleep.
• Sleep paralysis with an inability to move or speak, accompanied by hallucinations and chest pressure.
• Confusional arousals with disorientation and slow responses upon waking.
• Bedwetting beyond the age when nighttime bladder control is expected.
• Sleep-related hallucinations involving vivid sensory experiences while falling asleep or waking up.
• Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, potentially causing dental problems or jaw pain.
• The specific signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type of parasomnia and the individual.

Treatment options for parasomnias

Treatment for parasomnias focuses on improving sleep habits, managing stress, and addressing any underlying conditions, according to Dr Ajinkya. This might involve creating a sleep routine, relaxation techniques, or medication in some cases.