ASTEP Practice Test

Partial arousal disorders describe episodes where the person is not fully awake but exhibits unusual behaviors during sleep, typically during transitions from deep non-REM sleep. This pattern fits Parasomnias, a group of disorders involving abnormal actions or experiences during sleep or during arousal. Examples include sleepwalking, confusional arousals, and night terrors, where there’s partial consciousness paired with motor activity or confusion. They’re distinct from insomnias (trouble falling or staying asleep) and hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), and while “sleep disorders” is a broad umbrella term, parasomnias specifically name these abnormal activities during sleep.