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The Edge of Sleep premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 15, 2024. This American thriller series is based on the concept of parasomnia. It is a sleep disorder that makes people act strange while they are asleep. These behaviors can occur at any stage of sleep, from the onset of sleep to the process of waking up.
The show portrays parasomnia through Dave Torres, who has experienced sleep disorders and vivid nightmares since childhood. His episodes of sleepwalking and haunting visions, especially involving an elephant figure, play a crucial role in the story.
This turns out to be crucial for the plot as Dave and others try to survive in a world where falling asleep results in death. His parasomnia blurs the line between dreams and reality, which could both be a clue in solving the mystery and form a source of danger.
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Understanding Parasomnia: Sleep disorders and its impact
Sleep disorders characterized by unusual and disruptive physical events or behaviors during sleep are referred to as parasomnias. These events can include abnormal movement, talking, displaying emotions, and, in severe cases, performing actions such as sleepwalking or nightmares. The affected individual may appear awake to the observer, but they are actually asleep.
Parasomnia can occur when a person is falling asleep, during sleep, or when one wakes up. Treatment typically starts without medication. There are several types of parasomnias, depending on the stage of sleep in which they occur. Non-REM parasomnias occur in the early stages of sleep and typically involve physical and vocal activities such as sleepwalking or sleep terrors.
During non-REM parasomnia, an affected person is not usually aware of what is occurring to them and will not respond to any stimulation that others provide. Non-REM parasomnias tend to run in families and are most likely between ages 5 and 25.
How does parasomnia affect people in real life?
In real life, parasomnias can severely deteriorate a person's quality of sleep and well-being. These disorders can cause physical harm, emotional trauma, and confusion as one unknowingly performs dangerous actions during sleep or while acting out dreams.
Generally, people who have parasomnia may wake up feeling very confused and carry minimal or no memory of the incidents that occurred during the episodes. This can even cause frustration or anxiety, especially if their actions lead to harm or embarrassment.
Additionally, parasomnias might disturb bed partners or family members, who might get shocked and frightened by the abnormal behaviors. The uncertainty and unprovoked events can cause persistent anxiety among the person experiencing the episodes and their loved ones.
Fortunately, treatment options range from improving sleep hygiene to therapy. In some cases, medications can help control parasomnia and minimize its disruptiveness in daily activities.
How does The Edge of Sleep incorporate concept of Parasomnia?
The Edge of Sleep weaves parasomnia into its plot through the main character, Dave Torres, who has experienced disturbing sleep disorders since childhood. His parasomnia takes the form of vivid nightmares and sleepwalking episodes, around a recurring theme of the haunting figure of an elephant.
These sleep disturbances blur the line between wakefulness and dreaming, playing a very critical role in the plot. Dave and his friends can't survive in a world where falling asleep would result in death. His parasomnia adds complexity to the storyline. While it provides clues to the mystery being unraveled, it also puts him in danger.
As the story unfolds in The Edge of Sleep, Dave's parasomnia becomes the central focus in the fight for survival among members of the group. His sleep and dream-like trance may be secret to fathom why each person who slumbered died.
At the same time, these disorders in The Edge of Sleep prevent Dave from clearly telling reality from illusion, increasing the psychological tension and danger in which characters find themselves as they live with the global sleep crisis.
Such an application of parasomnia adds a personal and thematic level to the story by connecting sleep disorders with the apocalyptic threat embedded throughout the novel.
The Edge of Sleep can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
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